After a year that rocked Makhadzi—from tax complications to controversies including ministers—the South African superstar throws it all into the music on 2024’s Miracle Child. Kicking off the album with a prayer (“Mudzimu Uyavhuya”), the queen of bolobedu house makes it clear that, in times of adversity, she seeks refuge in God. She addresses her issues directly, such as on the aptly titled “Sars Patela,” where she details her tax controversy, and on “Anazi Lutho,” where she’s joined by singers Rethabile Khumalo and Mlindo The Vocalist to muse on the hardships of life. But such somber moments are spaced out, separated by runs of danceable tunes laced with optimistic lyricism and carried by Makhadzi’s unmatched energy. “We Are One” is an anthemic call to action for Africans to unite, while “Mawaya Waya” is all about getting money, a theme that expands to “Nnana.” The singer continues to use bolobedu house as a base for experimentation with various sounds from Afrobeats (“Forever”) to bubblegum (“Zwakale”) and amapiano. Most importantly, she never loses her playfulness, a quirk that defines her and cements her relatability.