Mlindo the Vocalist Opens Up About His Rise to Fame and Help from Riky Rick, DJ Maphorisa and Sjava

Popular South African musician Mlindo the Vocalist has shared his journey to success and the important role that well-known artists like DJ Maphorisa, Riky Rick, and Sjava played in his career.

Mlindo was making about R250k per weekend when he was at the top but he’d take home R120k ‘after deductions’. 🫢

How? You ask, his co-road-manager S’fiso breaks it down for free.

VVIP S/O to Nyiko The Great! 😂 pic.twitter.com/UyWqyh4KoM

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Speaking on the latest episode of Piano Pulse with presenters Sfiso and Thakgi, Mlindo opened up about how his life changed after he was discovered by DJ Maphorisa in 2018. At the time, he was just a young artist sharing videos on social media. DJ Maphorisa noticed his talent, and soon after, Mlindo released his debut album Emakhaya in September 2018. The album became a huge success and helped him rise to fame.

Mlindo shared how his music gigs became a big part of his income at the time. “There was a time when we were charging R60,000. With a live band, we would charge R80,000,” he said.

Sfiso, who was not only the show’s host but also Mlindo’s co-road manager back then, added that on some weekends, the singer could make around R250,000. After paying for travel, the band, and other expenses, Mlindo would take home about R120,000.

Mlindo also spoke with deep respect and gratitude about the late rapper Riky Rick, who helped him in a very personal way when he had nothing.

Mlindo: “Riky Rick gave me clothes from his wardrobe because I was wearing nonsense—Malume was a real one…” 🥺🥺🥺

RIP Makhado 🕊️🕊️🕊️
VVIP S/O to Howard ♥️♥️♥️ pic.twitter.com/eKZ2mXHvoR

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“Riky once asked me what I was wearing, and it was the only clothes I had. He went to his wardrobe and gave me a Maxhosa tracksuit and sneakers,” Mlindo shared. “He didn’t take me shopping or send me money, he gave me clothes from his own wardrobe when I went into the studio because I was wearing nonsense.”

He also mentioned the support he received from Sjava, another big name in South African music, who encouraged and guided him in his early days.

Today, he continues to make music and grow his career — always remembering the people who helped him get started.