From Bulawayo to Accra: Crispen Sibanda’s journey to Ghanaian stardom

BULAWAYO, the vibrant and culturally rich hub of Zimbabwe, continues to shine on the global creative stage, with its talented citizens leaving an indelible mark far beyond its borders.

Among these rising stars is Crispen Mtandazo Sibanda, a native of the City of Kings and Queens, who is making waves in Ghana with his infectious hit single “Happiness”, complemented by captivating visuals.

Crispen’s music has garnered widespread acclaim in the West African nation, propelling him towards international recognition. Moreover, his track “Bye O” has become a sensation, dominating the airwaves both in Zimbabwe and Ghana.

His success comes amidst a growing interest among African artists to break into the highly competitive West African music market, particularly since the rise of Afro-beats.

In an exclusive interview with Chronicle Showbiz, Crispen reflected on his journey from Bulawayo to Ghana and the milestones he has achieved along the way.

Crispen was born on December 11, 2000, in Bulawayo and grew up in various neighbourhoods, including Riverside, Paddonhurst, Barbourfields and Matsheumhlophe.

He first ventured into music in 2019, navigating the studios of Harare and Bulawayo before finding his footing.

“During my time in Harare, I frequented various studios with my friends. I recorded a song titled ‘Look at Me’ at Rox Records, followed by two tracks, ‘I Don’t Care’ and ‘Phases’ at Royal Records. I also visited No Limits Studio, although financial constraints prevented me from recording there while I was still in high school.

“Additionally, I explored numerous studios in Bulawayo, with Wreckersvale Records becoming a familiar haunt,” he said.

Despite initial challenges, Crispen persevered and honed his craft, building a solid foundation for his musical career. He relocated to Ghana in 2022 to assist his father in agronomy and pursue his studies. When queried about his success in breaking into the Ghanaian music scene, the artiste replied: “It wasn’t easy, but I made it a point to enter the right rooms and connect with the right people. This strategy proved fruitful, as it opened doors to numerous shows and interviews. At one point, my name was a fixture at any major event in Accra. I simply had to be present everywhere.”

Reflecting on the music scene there, he remarked, “It’s amazing; local support is abundant and the community is incredibly welcoming.”

Artists he has collaborated with in Ghana include Kuami Eugene, Adina Thembi, Medikal and Lali x Lola.

“To date, I have officially released two tracks under the name Crispen: ‘Happiness’ and ‘Bye O’. Looking ahead, I plan to release albums, secure endorsement deals, grace major stages and aim for prestigious accolades like the Grammys,” Crispen revealed.

“Happiness” encapsulates the sentiment of finding joy despite life’s challenges, while “Bye O” tells the tale of heartbreak, infused with a West African flavour. Produced by Ghanaian star Kuami Eugene, “Happiness” has shown Crispen’s ability to collaborate across borders and genres. — @mthabisi_mthire.