Jade Alves, better known as Money Badoo, has emerged as one of South Africa's most exciting and dynamic talents. With her unmistakable sound and multidimensional creativity, Money Badoo is carving a unique path in the music and fashion industries, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with.
Born in Ennerdale and raised across Johannesburg, Money Badoo’s artistic journey started at the age of 12, singing in church. However, her passion for music quickly evolved into writing poetry and rapping over YouTube beats. In 2019, she burst onto the scene with her debut single, All My Friends, a raw, high-energy track that garnered attention from prominent industry figures, including Ebro, who featured the song on Apple Music’s The Ebro Show.
In 2020, Money Badoo joined forces with Sauwcy to release MK-Ultra, a trap-infused EP that opened doors to collaborations with some of South Africa’s hottest artists, including Blxckie, lordkez, and Doowap. Her solo debut project, PORN$TAR, showcased her versatility, blending elements of trap, soul, R&B, and hyperpop-inflected rap. The project earned her recognition as Apple Music’s Up Next artist in South Africa.
But Money Badoo’s talent extends beyond music. As a stylist, visual artist, and photographer, she has made waves in the fashion world. From styling South Africa’s top names to winning Canon’s Picture Perfect reality series, her influence has grown exponentially. Her win on the show led to collaborations with global brands like Mugler, H&M, and Puma, cementing her reputation as a multifaceted creative.
In 2023, Money Badoo made her television debut as a cast member of Love & Hip Hop: South Africa, the franchise's first African installment. The show provided her with a platform to share her story, connecting with fans and fellow artists across the continent.
This year, Money Badoo continues to push boundaries with the release of her highly anticipated project, MSRYLUV$CMPNY, dropping on March 7, 2025. The lead single, LADDER$, featuring NOTBENJAMIN, set the tone for the collaborative EP, which boasts nine tracks and features from some of hip hop’s finest.
Money Badoo’s breakout track, Don’t Call Me, debuted on 5FM’s Dance Chart and gained airplay on YFM and Jacaranda FM. The song, which has amassed over 2 million streams across 29 playlists, was reimagined with global stars Boban Marjanovic, Haftbefehl, Gringo, and Dribbla, and produced by Paradise AI Kitchen. The track’s exclusive video premiered on TRACE and was hailed by Texx and the City as one of 2024’s best indie videos.
With over 750,000 playlist listeners for her latest releases, Money Badoo’s international presence is growing rapidly. She’s starred in campaigns for Adidas Originals, Doritos, and Sunlight, solidifying her status as a cultural icon. Her unique blend of music, fashion, and visual artistry has set her apart, and fans eagerly await what she will deliver next.
Stay tuned for the release of MSRYLUV$CMPNY and follow Money Badoo as she continues to redefine what it means to be a modern artist.
Pre-save MSRYLUV$CMPNY here.