Chronicle Editor
Mthabisi Tshuma, Showbiz Correspondent
Up-and-coming Bulawayo-based songstress Sakhile Sibanda aka Philaaah Sibz and Norton-based musician Shaquille Chuma aka Shaquille Kings have joined forces to collaborate on a track titled Ngizom’dumisa.
The Limpopo house song which has a gospel feel was released last week. It was produced by Norton-based producer Projusa Watta and talks about God’s greatness and the need to praise Him always.
Shaquille Kings and Philaaah Sibz met in 2019 in Bulawayo during the former’s video shoot for gqom song, Jaiva which is yet to be released. Since then, they have been on a drive to bridge the regional gap among the arts sector.
Twenty-six-year-old Philaaah Sibz who is a newbie in the music scene after jumping off the modelling ramp to pick up the studio mic last year said it was great working with Shaquille Kings. She said she is also working on her debut album.
“I’m a versatile artiste focusing on electro, hip hop, Amapiano and gospel genres. I’m a proud Bulawayo lady eager to uplift the city’s music status quo.
“I ventured into music last year during the lockdown and I worked on my first album titled Date with my king that I’ll be launching in April. So far, I’ve released three singles – I need you, Crossing over and Unstoppable,” said Philaaah Sibz.
A modelling graduate of Fingers Academy, Philaaah Sibz said she has been a backup artiste for musicians, Marshall Malaba and Tafadzwa Jeduthan Lunga. She has also shared the stage with Mpostori Wency.
Shaquille Kings, a 23-year-old former Milton High student was last year nominated under Best African act at the 257 Hip hop awards. Part of his achievements include the song Wakeup call that was certified gold plague by Simox Stats in 2020. At the same time, his track Whine and Kodobo was rated number seven on Apple Music Zimbabwe.
“I started recording music in 2017 where I released Pretty ladies and Thulamzala which received airplay in Zimbabwe and South Africa. In 2018, I featured on Chanter TJ’s track that was played ZBCtv’s Woza Friday and Coke On The Beat shows.
“Later that year, Thulamzala was selected as a theme song for Dlala Ngamla, a Bulawayo TV series which airs on ZBCtv,” he said.
Currently, the artiste said he is working on an Amapiano EP titled The voice of Amapiano. He is hoping to release it on March 1 where it will be available for purchase via EcoCash and a number of digital platforms. – @mthabisi_mthire
Online Reporter