Online Reporter
Langalihle Mhiti
TWENTY four-year-old Zimbabwean artist Elisheba Sikireta, popularly known as Xiba, has described her performance at the 2026 Young Women 4 Economic Development (YW4ED) Convention as one of the biggest milestones of her budding career.
The young musician, who is carving a name for herself on the local entertainment industry, said she never imagined that her musical journey would take her to a stage where she would perform before President Mnangagwa. Xiba was among the performers at the 2026 YW4ED Convention on August 31.
“Never in my life did I think I would ever perform for the President. It was an honour,” Xiba said.
She said the performance represented more than simply appearing at a major event. It was a moment of recognition that she believes will remain an important part of her musical journey.
“Thank you so much for this opportunity and the support for the young women,” she said.
Her comments reflected the significance she attaches to opportunities that allow young female creatives to showcase their abilities and gain exposure in front of influential audiences.
The 2026 Y4Ed Convention provided Xiba with an important platform to demonstrate her musical talent while placing her in an environment where education, youth empowerment and opportunities for young people were being highlighted.
For an emerging artist, such platforms can play an important role in building confidence and expanding visibility. Xiba, however, appeared to view the opportunity through personal and spiritual lens, crediting God for the timing of the breakthrough.
“God’s timing is the best,” she said.
The artist’s excitement was evident as she celebrated what she regarded as a defining moment, proudly embracing her stage identity.
“Bhiya wadeepisa . . . it’s Xiba with an X,” she said.
The statement captured her confidence and excitement following the performance, which she regarded as proof that her career was moving in a direction she had once considered unlikely.
At 24, Xiba is part of a growing crop of young Zimbabwean musicians seeking to establish themselves in an increasingly competitive entertainment industry.
Her appearance at the 2026 YW4ED Convention could, therefore, prove significant as she continues working to build her profile and connect with new audiences. Rather than taking the opportunity for granted, Xiba chose to celebrate the moment and acknowledge those who made it possible.
The performance has given the artist another reason to believe in her journey, with her message centred on gratitude, faith and the importance of creating opportunities for young women.
For now, the young musician can look back on the 2026 YW4ED Convention as the occasion when she achieved something she once thought was beyond her imagination — performing for the President.
