Queen Popoo believes in positive messages

Fhatuwanini Dzhadzhi, better known as Queen Popoo in music circles, has become a classic example of an artist who does not just sing for the sake of singing but whose music brings change to society.

The 29-year-old musician from Vondo la Thavha village did not enter the music industry through the back door. Everything started in 2010 when she, together with her high school friends D Horse and D2, would rap at any given opportunity to the amusement of their peers. Music became such a significant part of her life that after matriculating in 2013, she went on to study music at SWG College in Dobsonville, Gauteng.

Her big break came in 2019 when she released her first album, "My Voice is My Hero." The album became a phenomenal success, earning her a TSHIMA award and many bookings. She has since released two more albums.

On 8 June, she released a monster hit, "Hlukumeza," which is making waves on the local music scene. The single has elevated her status, and some now refer to her as the undisputed queen of Venrap.

All her songs carry positive messages. “I am an artist who believes in sending out positive messages through lyrics and accompanying instruments. I also believe that music has to make an impact on people’s minds and lives. I was inspired by Afro-pop star and songwriter Amanda Benedicta Antony, popularly known as Amanda Black. She is the type of musician I aspire to be,” she said.

Queen Popoo has worked with and featured almost all the popular local Venrap and Hip-Hop stars and says the region has huge potential in the Venrap genre. “I see a bright future in the music industry and see myself reaching higher places. I enjoyed the limelight of being nominated for Best Newcomer in the Tshivenda Music Awards in 2019. My music continues to get fair airplay, and I get both radio and print media interviews now and again,” Queen Popoo said.

Date:22 June 2024

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019. He currently writes on a freelance basis, covering human rights issues, court news and entertainment.

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