Tshivenda pop sensation Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona better known as Makhadzi who is riding the crest of the country’s music scene became the biggest winner in the sixth installment of the Tshivenda music awards (TSHIMA).

The awards were held at the Thohoyandou Town Hall on Saturday evening. Makhadzi who last year bagged three Awards in the same competition was this year nominated in four categories and won two of them. Her latest Haka Matorokisi track saw her taking home Song and artist of the year respectively.

Close on her heels came to gospel sensation Takie Ndou who also won two awards. During the same function, veteran musician Elvis Mandiza who among others nurtured the career of the late musical legend Dan Tshanda was honoured with a lifetime achievement award. The late guitarist Daniel Luambo was honored posthumously? while former deputy minister of environmental affairs Rejoice Mabudafhasi was honoured for her contribution in the development of the arts.

The 23-year-old from Hamashamba outside Makhado has worked with the country’s best in the likes of DJ Tira, Sho Madjozi, King Monada, and Master KG.

About her success, Makhadz who received wild applause whenever her name was called said she owes it to her fans who have been the driving force ever since she started singing.

“I am humbled. This is great and rubber stamp that people recognize what I am doing.

It shows that people love my music and the awards have added an impetus and is a boost for me to work even harder to give good quality music to the people,” she said.

Vhembe executive mayor Dowelani Nenguda urged all artists to compose music that has a message to educate the nation.

He further implored artists to go back to their roots and include traditional instruments in their music.

The vision holder and father of the awards Augustine Nethononda was upbeat about how things went.

“We are happy how things went and we are happy that the awards are growing each year.

Categories and prizes have improved and with the support of all our sponsors we promise a better event next year,” Nethononda said.