Prifix, whose real name is Mathaga Tendani, is a 31-year-old rising star in the hip-hop industry. He was born on September 1, 1994, in Mapate, also known as MapCity, in Venda. His passion for hip-hop and rap music developed early, inspired by legendary artists like Immortal Technique, Notorious B.I.G, Bob Marley, Nas, and Tupac.

At just 10 years old, he started rapping at block parties, and one of his performances caught the attention of Output, a rapper from Blackout Music. Through this connection, Prifix was introduced to the key figures at MapCity Khronic Records, including TizzMo Guddy, Yung Less, Starpura, Prospect, Mbuyelo, Wantza, Taste, TmC, and Challo B. With consistent practice and dedication, he became one of the best Venda freestyle rappers ever heard.

Despite impressing the record label’s top artists, Prifix didn’t secure a contract right away. Determined to prove himself, he repeatedly left freestyle recordings on TizzMo Guddy’s answering machine, refusing to be overlooked.

Early Life

Mathaga Tendani, born on September 1, 1994, in Mapate, a village south of Thohoyandou, is the only son of Khathutshelo Mathaga and Ntshengedzeni Singo. Like many others, he didn’t immediately realize his natural talent, but he remained focused on his education. He attended Mapate Primary School, where he completed grade 7, and later graduated from Lwamondo High School. Currently, he is furthering his studies at Tshwane University of Technology.

Career Beginnings and Achievements

At just 13 years old, Prifix signed with MapCity Khronic Records, becoming the label’s second-youngest rapper. Through dedication and hard work, the group gained fame across Venda for producing quality music. Despite facing challenges and misunderstandings, Prifix remained determined, often motivating himself with his motto: “My Dad Locked Me in the House of Hip Hop and Threw Away the Keys.”

As a solo artist, he released his debut album, Solo Ride, which was expected to break sales records for young artists due to its strong reception. However, it underperformed, selling only 3,044 copies in South Africa with no international sales. Undeterred, Prifix bounced back in September 2006 with The Book of Prifix, which gained recognition and peaked at number 11 on the Billboard 12 chart. Around this time, he collaborated with TizzMo Guddy, the founder of Five Oh Music Group (5 Oh 45), who helped him release the hit single Make Money.

Between 2009 and 2012, Prifix expanded his fan base through mixtapes, starting with Vhalitsheni (2009). In 2012, he recorded The Book of Prifix II, scheduled for release on October 14 of that year.

Prifix, born Tendani Mathaga, began writing songs at 17 and released his first solo mixtape, The Book of Prifix. This marked the beginning of his rise in the industry, leading him to collaborate with various artists from different recording labels. However, his journey as an independent artist without management proved challenging.

His breakthrough came when he met Challo B (Rautshahalo Lutendo) and Output (Phalanndwa Warren), two talented Venrap musicians. Together, they formed MapCity, named after their hometown, Mapate. Their collaboration brought them widespread recognition, with multiple hit singles played on local radio stations. As Prifix continued networking and collaborating with well-known Venrap artists, he sought record deals but faced repeated rejections.

His persistence paid off when he became the first signed artist under Mos-Bee Records, owned by Phalanndwa Mpfariseni Goodman (Mos-Bee). Determined to impress his new management, he released multiple hits, making his name even more prominent. He also became an active member of Team Khachamedza alongside Lavhutanu Li Do Swika, Freddy Magoda, Hulisani Mavhandu, Mpho Bisto Nelwamondo, and Dakalo Sky-Diver Mavhungu.

On March 6, 2015, he released his first major album, Born & Raised, under Mos-Bee Records, which became a hit across Venda.

Discography

Albums

2017 – Rise and Shine

2018 – Legacy

2019 – The One and Only

2020 – Born and Raised

2020 – The Royal Return

2021 – African King

2023 – New Dawn

2024 – Stronger Than Yesterday

Singles and EPs

2021 – Home Coming

2021 – When Days Are Dark

2021 – Uzong’khumbula

2021 – Mukundi

2021 – Rido Senga Lotsha

2022 – Avha Zwinfuni

2022 – Vhusiwana

2022 – Peace

2023 – Nido Nkhumbula

2023 – Ndo Khakha