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.
Early life Born on 25 January 2004, in Ga-Modjadji, Mohlabaneng, in the Limpopo province of South Africa and raised in Solomondale, Limpopo, Rakgoale Nelly Machete is prominently known as Shandesh.
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, at the age of 14. Shandesh gained recognition following the release of her debut single "Lomolo" which scored her gigs in her hometown. She worked with the likes of King Monada and Shebeshxt.
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). 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. 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.
Shandesh is also planning on launching the Rakgoale Foundation, an organisation to help underprivileged kids with food parcels, sanitary towels and school shoes.
Awards and nominations + Award Year Category Recipient(s) or nominee(s) Result Metro FM Music Awards 2026 Best New Artist Song of the Year Best Female Artist Best Lekompo
Discography Extended plays Mphoentle (2022) Versatile (2024) For The Queens (2025) Charted singles As lead artist + List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications AlbumSAPeak chart positions in South Africa: "Sdudla or Slender": "Di Chopper": "Ga Mmapula": "Warning": "Shapa Bell": "Mamenemene": "Passport": "Tshwara Tlhogo": "Sdudla or Slender" 2025 2 RiSA: Platinum "Di Chopper" 5 "Ga Mmapula" 32 RiSA: Gold "Warning" 14 "Mamenemene" 39 "Passport" 36 "Tshwara Tlhogo" 57 "Ke lekile" (Shandesh & Thatohatsi featuring King Salah)2026_The Time Is Now "Lengwalo" (Shandesh featuring Chillmaster Music & King Salah)_The Time Is Now "Straata" (Shandesh featuring Natiey Lepaka & Hitboss SA)_Non-album single "Ba lwele" (Shandesh, Hitboss SA featuring Master Chuza)_Non-album single "Mogatsaka" (Nkosazana Daughter, Shandesh & Mvzzle)_Non-album single "Mpepe" (Shandesh, Hitboss SA & Nkosazana Daughter)_Non-album single "Warrior" (Shandesh, Hitboss SA & Natiey Lepaka featuring LTD Muzika & KayyKayy Production)_Non-album single "Sefela sa Lekompo" (Shandesh & Hitboss SA featuring Wendy M)_Non-album single "Lebodhelo" (Shandesh, Boohle featuring Hitboss SA)_Non-album single
As guest artist + List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications AlbumSA "Shapa Bell" 2025 34
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