Shandesh

Bio

Shandesh sings lekompo, the up-tempo dance style of Limpopo, with a register that moves easily into amapiano and bolo house. Born Rakgoale Nelly Machete on 25 January 2004 and raised in Solomondale, she began recording professionally in 2018, at fourteen, and earned local recognition with her debut single 'Lomolo'.

Her national breakthrough came in 2025 with 'Sdudla or Slender', made with producer Mvzzle, which peaked at number two on the Official South African Charts and was certified platinum; 'Ga Mmapula' went gold and 'Di Chopper' debuted at number five. At the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards she arrived with nominations across Artist of the Year, Best New Artist and the newly created Best Lekompo category, and left with Best Female Artist — a marker of how quickly Limpopo's sound has moved to the centre of South African pop.

Verified facts

• 'Sdudla or Slender' (2025, with producer Mvzzle) peaked at number two on the Official South African Charts and was certified platinum; 'Ga Mmapula' was certified gold and 'Di Chopper' debuted at number five.Wikipedia
• She won Best Female Artist at the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards, where she was also nominated for Best New Artist.Wikipedia
• At the 2026 Metro FM Music Awards she was nominated for Artist of the Year, Best Female Artist and Best New Artist, with 'Sdudla or Slender' also up for Best Viral Challenge and the newly introduced Best Lekompo category.Sowetan
• Born Rakgoale Nelly Machete on 25 January 2004 in Limpopo and raised in Solomondale, she began recording professionally in 2018 at age 14, gaining local recognition with her debut single 'Lomolo'.Wikipedia

Notable work

• Sdudla or Slender
• Di Chopper
• Ga Mmapula
• Lomolo

Categories

Music & Links