In a candid revelation during a recent interview, Makhadzi shared that she had to resort to borrowing money from a loan shark to cover her travel expenses to the BET Awards.
Makhadzi turned to loan shark for a business class flight to BET Awards
Despite facing financial struggles, Makhadzi was determined to attend the prestigious event in style.
Speaking to Podcast and Chill, she explained:
“For me to travel, I have to go to mashonisa [loan sharks]. They [my team] have to borrow money for me so I can fly business class because I have to be the superstar that I am. Because I believe in myself and my career, I’m like, let me do everything and go there.”
Makhadzi’s uncanny dedication paid off as she won the Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act award, beating fellow South African Tyler ICU and other global artists.
The Limpopo star’s racking up a bad rep with money
However, this isn’t the first time Makhadzi has faced financial troubles.
The singer has been criticised for missing several scheduled performances, which has damaged her reputation among promoters.
For instance, she failed to show up at the Exclusive White Lifestyle gig in Kempton Park back in May last year and was reportedly double-booked for another event in Polokwane on the same day.
Promoter Greg Hlatswayo expressed his frustration, stating:
“At the rate she is going, she must just kiss her music career goodbye because music promoters are going to get gatvol [fed up].”
Makhadzi reveals her SARS woes
Further compounding her financial woes, Makhadzi disclosed her ongoing struggles with SARS, shedding light on the toll it has taken on her finances.
In December 2023, Sunday World reported that the singer owed the South African Revenue Service (SARS) R6.6 million, a debt that was later reduced to R2.7 million after a thorough review by a tax consultant.
Makhadzi confirmed the report, explaining, “Every money I get monthly, I’m paying SARS so I end up not having money for myself.”
“I’m going through a lot. It’s not a secret,” she admitted at the time.