Shandesh
Shandesh | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rakgoale Nelly Machete 24 January 2004 Ga-Modjadji, Mohlabaneng, Limpopo, South Africa |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Solomondale, Limpopo |
| Genres | Lekompo |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Labels |
|
Rakgoale Nelly Machete (born 24 January 2004) is a South African singer professionally known as Shandesh. She gained recognition in 2018 after the release of her debut single "Lomolo". Her singles "Sdudla or Slender" and "Ga Mmampula" were certified platinum and gold respectively.
Early life
[edit]Born on 24 January 2004,[1] in Ga-Modjadji, Mohlabaneng, in the Limpopo province of South Africa and raised in Solomondale, Limpopo,[2] Rakgoale Nelly Machete is prominently known as Shandesh.[3]
Career
[edit]She started her musical journey in fourth grade when she joined her church and school choir. Talking to DRUM magazine, she said that she started recording music professionally when she was in the eighth grade in 2018,[4] at the age of 14.[5] Shandesh gained recognition following the release of her debut single "Lomolo" which scored her gigs in her hometown.[5] She worked with the likes of King Monada and Shebeshxt.[3]
In 2025, with the South African record producer Mvzzle, she released "Sdudla or Slender" which peaked at number 2 on the Official South African Charts (TOSAC).[6] That same year, the pair went on to release "Di Chopper" which debuted at number 5 on TOSAC, "Ga Mmapula" peaked at number 32 on week 16.[6] She received a commemorative plaque of her achievements stating that "Ga Mmapula" was certified gold and "Sdudla or Slender" was certified platinum in South Africa by the Recording Industry of South Africa.[7]
Shandesh is also planning on launching the Rakgoale Foundation, an organisation to help underprivileged kids with food parcels, sanitary towels and school shoes.[4]
Discography
[edit]Extended plays
[edit]- Mphoentle (2022)
- Versatile (2024)
Charted singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA [6] | ||||
| "Sdudla or Slender" (with Mvzzle) | 2025 | 2 | RiSA: Platinum[7] | Non-album single |
| "Di Chopper" (with Mvzzle) | 5 | Non-album single | ||
| "Ga Mmapula" (featuring Hitboss) | 32 | RiSA: Gold[7] | Non-album single | |
| "Warning" (featuring Shebeshxt, King Salah and KayCherlow) | 14 | Non-album single | ||
| "Mamenemene" (with DJ Janisto and King Salah) | 39 | Non-album single |
As guest artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA [6] | ||||
| "Shapa Bell" (Naleboy Young King featuring Shandesh and King WaveMusiq) | 2025 | 34 | Non-album single |
References
[edit]- ^ Age well mama.🔥✈️❤️ 21st fao 🕯️, Shandesh, 24 January 2025, archived from the original on 22 May 2025, retrieved 22 May 2025 – via Facebook
- ^ "12 Questions with | Shandesh". 12 Questions with. 22 February 2025. Event occurs at 00:31. YouTube. Archived from the original on 28 May 2025. Retrieved 28 May 2025.
- ^ a b Seemela, Masego (27 February 2025). "Limpopo's New Dance Queen Shandesh Ready to Push Genre-fluid Lekompo". The Sowetan. Culture. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
- ^ a b Mphoshomane, Unarine (28 March 2025). "Shandesh making big waves". SNL24. Daily Sun. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
- ^ a b Matlala, Keamogetswe (23 April 2025). "'I see Lekompo going global' – Shandesh rises to stardom like Di Chopper". News24. DRUM. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d Peak chart positions in South Africa:
- "Sdudla or Slender": "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 50 Week 14-2025". The Official South African Charts. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
- "Di Chopper": "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 50 Week 16-2025". The Official South African Charts. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
- "Ga Mmapula": "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 50 Week 16-2025". The Official South African Charts. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.
- "Warning": "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 50 Week 22-2025". The Official South African Charts. Archived from the original on 16 June 2025. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- "Shapa Bell": "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 50 Week 14-2025". The Official South African Charts. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
- "Mamenemene": "Local & International Streaming Chart Top 50 Week 20-2025". The Official South African Charts. Archived from the original on 16 June 2025. Retrieved 16 June 2025.
- ^ a b c Booi, Silindokuhle. "New Singer on the Block, Shandesh Makes Her Way Up". Bona. Archived from the original on 22 May 2025. Retrieved 22 May 2025.