Shandesh
South African singer
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Rakgoale Nelly Machete (born 25 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 songs "Ga Mmapula" and "Sdudla or Slender" were certified gold and platinum, respectively, in South Africa.
25 January 2004
Shandesh | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rakgoale Nelly Machete 25 January 2004 Ga-Modjadji, Mohlabaneng, Limpopo, South Africa |
| Occupation | Singer |
| Years active | 2018–present |
| Musical career | |
| Origin | Solomondale, Limpopo |
| Genres | Lekompo |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Labels |
|
Early life
Born on 25 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
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]
Awards and nominations
| Award | Year[a] | Category | Recipient(s) or nominee(s) | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metro FM Music Awards | 2026 | Best New Artist | Shandesh | Nominated | [8] |
| Song of the Year | "Sdudla or Slender" (with Mvzzle) | Nominated | |||
| Best Female Artist | Shandesh | Won | [9] | ||
| Best Lekompo | "Sdudla or Slender" (with Mvzzle) | Nominated | [8] |
Discography
Extended plays
- Mphoentle (2022)
- Versatile (2024)
- The Time Is Now (2026)
Charted singles
As lead artist
| 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, featuring Abi wa Mampela and Naleboy Young King) | 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 | ||
| "Passport" (with Mvzzle) | 36 | Non-album single | ||
| "Tshwara Tlhogo" (featuring Abi wa Mampela and Hitboss SA) | 57 | Non-album single | ||
| "Ba lwele" (featuring Master Chuza and Hitboss SA) | 2026 | _ | Non-album single | |
| "Straata" (with Hitboss SA & Natiey Lepaka) | _ | Non-album single | ||
| "Mogatsaka" (with Nkosazana Daughter & Mvzzle) | _ | Non-album single | ||
| "Mpepe" (with Nkosazana Daughter & Hitboss SA | _ | Non-album single | ||
As guest artist
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SA [6] | ||||
| "Shapa Bell" (Naleboy Young King featuring Shandesh and King WaveMusiq) | 2025 | 34 | Non-album single |
Note
- Indicates the year of ceremony. Each year is linked to the article about the awards held that year, wherever possible.