Moneybadoo

Money Badoo, born Jade Alves, is an influential South African rapper, singer, and songwriter who has rapidly become a front-runner in the country's new wave of hip-hop and alternative music. Hailing from Ennerdale in Johannesburg, her artistry is defined by its genre-fluidity, blending gritty Trap sounds with melodic elements of R&B, Pop, and Soul.

• Pioneering a New Female Voice: Money Badoo is recognized as a key figure in increasing female representation in the South African hip-hop space. Her work is characterized by its unvarnished lyrical themes of aspiration, self-confidence, sexual liberation, and social commentary, resonating strongly with a new generation of listeners.
• Signature Genre-Fusion: Her sound is a deliberate and inventive fusion, a blend that established her as a distinctive voice on the local scene. She initially gained traction with high-energy, trap-infused tracks like her debut single, "All My Friends" (2019). Her willingness to experiment was later demonstrated by successful ventures into other genres, such as the Afropop club sensibilities of her single "Don't Call Me".
• Debut Success and Industry Recognition: Her solo debut album, PORN$TAR (2022), was a multi-dimensional project that cemented her status, showcasing her ability to rap and sing with a unique soprano tone. The album's success led to her being announced as Apple Music's Up Next Artist for South Africa.
• Creative Director and Visual Identity: Beyond her music, Money Badoo is a stylist, visual artist, and creative director who treats her music and fashion as co-existing vessels for storytelling. Her strong visual identity and involvement in projects like SA Fashion Week integrate her music into a broader cultural conversation about style and performance art, amplifying her musical brand.
• Collaborative Force: She has actively collaborated across the local music industry, releasing the joint EP Mk-Ultra (2020) with Sauwcy and featuring on tracks with prominent artists such as Ricky Tyler, Maglera Doe Boy, Lordkez, and Emtee.

Money Badoo's journey, which began with her rapping over YouTube beats, has culminated in international recognition, including performing sold-out shows in Germany, proving that her unique blend of music, fashion, and unfiltered storytelling transcends borders.