Shandesh Biography, Age, Height & Net Worth 2026

Rakgoale Nelly Machete (born 25 January 2004), professionally known as Shandesh, is a prominent South African singer who rose to fame with her debut single "Lomolo" in 2018. Since then, she has made significant strides in the South African music industry, with her songs "Ga Mmapula" and "Sdudla or Slender" achieving gold and platinum certifications respectively. Her unique voice and collaborations with notable artists have cemented her status as a rising star in the Limpopo province and beyond.

Wiki Facts and About Data

Full Name	Rakgoale Nelly Machete
Stage Name	Shandesh
Date of Birth	25 January 2004
Place of Birth	Ga-Modjadji, Mohlabaneng, Limpopo, South Africa
Genres	South African Contemporary Music
Notable Singles	"Lomolo", "Ga Mmapula", "Sdudla or Slender"
Collaborations	King Monada, Shebeshxt, Mvzzle
Certifications	"Ga Mmapula" (Gold), "Sdudla or Slender" (Platinum)

Early Life

Born and raised in the Limpopo province of South Africa, specifically in Ga-Modjadji, Mohlabaneng, and later Solomondale, Rakgoale Nelly Machete showed an early passion for music. Her journey began in the fourth grade when she joined both her church and school choirs, laying the foundation for her future career as Shandesh.

Career

Shandesh's professional music career took off in 2018 when she was just 14 years old and in the eighth grade. Her debut single, "Lomolo," garnered attention and opened doors for performances in her hometown. Over the years, she has collaborated with well-known South African artists such as King Monada and Shebeshxt, further expanding her reach in the music scene.

In 2025, Shandesh teamed up with acclaimed South African record producer Mvzzle to release the hit single "Sdudla or Slender," which peaked at number 2 on the Official South African Charts (TOSAC). The duo followed up with "Di Chopper," debuting at number 5 on TOSAC, and "Ga Mmapula," which reached number 32 during week 16. These successes earned her a commemorative plaque recognizing "Ga Mmapula" as gold-certified and "Sdudla or Slender" as platinum-certified by the Recording Industry of South Africa.

Beyond music, Shandesh is committed to social causes. She is planning to launch the Rakgoale Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting underprivileged children by providing food parcels, sanitary towels, and school shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When did Shandesh start her music career?

A: She began recording music professionally in 2018, at the age of 14, while she was in the eighth grade.

Q: What are some of Shandesh's most popular songs?

A: Her notable songs include "Lomolo," "Ga Mmapula," and "Sdudla or Slender," with the latter two achieving gold and platinum certifications respectively.

Q: Has Shandesh collaborated with other artists?

A: Yes, she has worked with artists such as King Monada, Shebeshxt, and producer Mvzzle.

Q: What social initiatives is Shandesh involved in?

A: She plans to launch the Rakgoale Foundation to assist underprivileged children with essential supplies like food, sanitary towels, and school shoes.

Conclusion

Shandesh stands out as a young and talented artist whose early start and dedication have propelled her into the spotlight of South Africa's music industry. With multiple chart-topping hits and meaningful collaborations, she continues to build a promising career. Moreover, her commitment to giving back to her community through the Rakgoale Foundation highlights her as not only a gifted musician but also a compassionate individual making a positive impact beyond the stage.