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BET Awards 2025: Makhadzi Danced Her Way to Victory as Best New International Act

The South African star won in 2024 by blending local tradition with global appeal—and moving both hearts and feet.

In 2024, Makhadzi turned up the volume on joy, culture, and unapologetic Black girl energy. Her win for Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act at the BET Awards was the moment her homegrown success in South Africa went global.

She didn’t just show up—she took up space. And she made the world move in the process.


1. She Repped Limpopo Loudly

Makhadzi brought her Tsonga heritage into every performance, every lyric, every outfit. She didn’t water it down for global eyes—she went harder. And it worked.


2. Her Stage Energy Is Unmatched

Whether it was a music festival or a BET spotlight performance, Makhadzi brought electricity. Her choreography? Clean. Her stamina? Unreal. Her stage presence? Superstar.


3. She Blended Afrohouse, Gqom & Pop Seamlessly

No artist sounded like Makhadzi in 2024. Her sound was rooted in African rhythms but carried global flair—hooky enough for Europe, authentic enough for home.


4. Her Style Was Cultural Couture

Natasha Campos / Stringer

Bright prints, body-positive silhouettes, and hairstyles that shouted Africa First—Makhadzi’s wardrobe spoke just as loud as her music.


5. She Opened a Door for Local-to-Global Artists

Her BET win symbolized what happens when artists don’t compromise who they are—and still win big. She became a blueprint for unapologetic visibility.


TL;DR:
Makhadzi’s 2024 BET Award win proved that being true to your roots is the most powerful export. She didn’t just bring African flavor—she made it the main course.


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