It is a Wednesday morning, and it is pouring in Joburg. Other than that, I’m not an early riser, I am a ball of nerves as I’m about to sit for a conversation with one of the country’s biggest stars, a literal supernova who, before the days leading up to this interview, I’m quite certain has never seen or heard of my name. This is enough to tie my tummy into a tight knot and threaten to reduce me into complete nothingness in her luminous presence.
Just minutes ago, I received a WhatsApp text from my colleague notifying me that, after the previous day’s hiccups, Ndivhudzannyi Ralivhona, now endearingly known to her fans as Makhadzi, is finally ready to receive me in her suite so we may kick off our interview. I take a sip of coffee, desperately wishing it was something a bit stronger to see me through this remarkable moment of my life where I do not only get to meet an icon, but have the privilege to sit down with her for a heart-to-heart.
I encounter the Limpopo-born hitmaker and her team making their way to the designated suite in the posh Southern Sun Hotel in Hyde Park. She is wearing a hot pink dressing gown, and from the look on her face, I gather that – much like me – she isn’t a morning person either.
She barely looks at me even though we are walking towards the same door and I am practically falling over myself trying to get a greeting out. I am miraculously allowed in before I can
