South African musician Ndivhudzannyi “Makhadzi” Ralivhona has revealed the cover for her upcoming album Miracle Child, which is set to be released on October 7.
The album cover, inspired by Rihanna’s Unapologetic album, features Makhadzi unclothed, with words like “miscarriage,” “polygamy,” “close mic,” “mojolo,” “Sars,” “art and culture,” “BET,” “one woman show,” and “Phalaphala” painted across her body. These words symbolize the various trials and triumphs she has experienced throughout her life and career.
Makhadzi explained that the words on her body represent both the pain and the celebrations that have shaped her journey. She expressed that life’s challenges and celebrations are intertwined and that each plays a role in defining who we are.
In a powerful statement, she shared that she found nothing in her wardrobe to cover her pain and celebrations, so she chose to embrace them fully, wearing them on her body as a testament to her resilience. This bold artistic choice reflects her belief that all challenges in life are part of God’s protection, and all celebrations are His blessings and miracles.
Her words:
“What’s life without challenges and celebrations? How do you know God if he has never come and rescued you and given you another chance to breathe and count more blessings? Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce my album cover: A Miracle Child.
“I opened my wardrobe and found nothing to wear to cover my pain and celebrations. I decided not to cover them; instead, I chose to wear all my pain and celebrations. All challenges in life are God’s protection and all celebrations are God’s blessings and miracles.”
Throughout her career, Makhadzi has faced significant hardships, including borrowing money to attend the BET Awards where she won the prestigious Viewers’ Choice: Best New International Act award in June, and dealing with a substantial debt to the South African Revenue Service (SARS).
Despite these challenges, she views herself as a “miracle child,” believing that her journey is a testament to God’s miracles. Her story is one of overcoming adversity and achieving success against the odds, which she aims to convey through her new album.
Miracle Child is expected to be a deeply personal album, with each song reflecting Makhadzi’s journey through life’s ups and downs. The album cover, in particular, has sparked a conversation on social media, with some praising her for her courage and vulnerability in addressing sensitive and personal topics.
Her decision to use her platform to highlight these issues has resonated with many, showcasing her as a fearless artist unafraid to confront her past and celebrate her victories.
However, not all reactions have been positive. Some critics have accused Makhadzi of “copying” Rihanna’s Unapologetic album cover, arguing that the resemblance is too close. Despite this criticism, the album cover continues to generate significant buzz, adding to the anticipation for Miracle Child.
Makhadzi’s willingness to bare her soul and share her story with the world has solidified her position as an artist who is not only resilient but also unapologetically authentic.
