Bulawayo embraces newcomer Xantel at album launch

AFRO-SOUL newcomer Xantel (Chantel Gugulethu Sibanda) has made a strong entry onto the music scene after launching her debut EP, Usizo, before a full house at the Bulawayo Theatre on Friday night.

The well-attended event marked a significant milestone for the rising singer.
Fans gathered in large numbers to witness the unveiling of the EP, visibly enjoying energetic performances that animated the evening. Xantel described the moment as surreal after years spent privately writing and refining her sound.

“Honestly, it feels unreal – a mix of nerves and joy. I spent years writing music in my room in Bulawayo, experimenting with Ndebele phrases and Afro-soul melodies, and now it’s finally out there,” she said.

The launch featured supporting performances from Bhila, Khwezi, Amany, Butholezwe and Mjabulisi the Poet, who all helped warm up the stage ahead of the headlining act.

Audience members praised the show, noting that Xantel’s music stands out at a time when many artistes are leaning heavily towards Amapiano.

“The show was amazing. Her music really stands out. While many artistes are opting for Amapiano, she has chosen to remain true to Afro-pop,” one Brian Moyo said.

Another attendee, Mbusiswa Nyathi, described the performance as vibrant and predicted a promising future for the singer.

“The show was vibrant and her music really stands out. She is definitely going far,” said Nyathi.
Xantel, whose sound is a smooth blend of Afro-pop, R&B and Soul, said fans can expect more from her as she plans to promote the EP through live performances and a tour, while also pushing for radio airplay.

“I’ll soon be staging live performances and embarking on a tour to promote the EP. I’ve also submitted my music for airplay, and it is already available on digital platforms,” she said.

The singer revealed that the creative process behind Usizo was emotional, as many of the songs were inspired by personal experiences.

“It was a rollercoaster of emotions. At times, I got emotional because the songs reflect my life’s journey – where I was and where I am now. But it was also exciting because I learnt new things and explored different sounds and techniques,” she said.

Through Usizo, the singer hopes to uplift listeners and inspire hope.

“I hope whoever listens to the EP feels hopeful, renewed, and encouraged. The aim is to give people hope for a better tomorrow,” she said.

The four-track EP was produced by Smashtainment Music, a collaboration she described as both productive and inspiring.

“It was an amazing experience where talent met perfection. We shared ideas throughout the process, which made the work easier and enjoyable,” she said.

Despite the excitement surrounding the project, Xantel admitted that financial challenges at times slowed down the recording process.

“The biggest challenge was financial shortages. The project required a lot of money, and at some point, the process had to pause until I managed to gather more funds,” she said.