Online Reporter
Peter Tanyanyiwa
IN Zimbabwe’s highly competitive music industry, where success often demands resilience as much as talent, emerging artiste Queen Bee, born Belinda Ngorima, is determined to overcome the odds and establish herself despite the financial and professional challenges that have derailed many aspiring musicians.
The 26-year-old singer from Dzivarasekwa Extension Phase 1 says her journey has been defined by hardship, personal loss and an unwavering belief that perseverance will eventually unlock opportunities.
Raised at Sunnyside Central plots in Mashonaland West, Queen Bee lost her father in 2004 when she was just five years old, leaving her mother to raise five children alone under difficult economic circumstances.
“My mother became both our mother and father. She wasn’t formally employed, but somehow she always made sure we had something to eat and kept us together as a family,” Queen Bee said.
“Those experiences taught me never to give up, no matter how difficult life becomes.”
Although music has become her calling, Queen Bee’s artistic journey began on a different stage.
Before venturing into recording, she pursued modelling and dancing, experiences she says helped develop her confidence as a performer but also exposed her to the realities of Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry.
“I started singing seriously at the age of 23 after realising music was where my heart truly belonged,” she said.
“Modelling and dancing gave me experience, but music allows me to express myself in a much deeper way.”
Her entry into the industry was influenced by spending time with established musicians, including Hwindi President, Kurai Makore, Silent Killer, Norman Manwere and family-friend artiste Pah Chihera.
“Watching them work and seeing their commitment inspired me to believe that I could also pursue music professionally. Being around them gave me confidence to record my own songs,” she said.
Queen Bee officially launched her recording career with the culturally inspired single Harahwa, a project she describes as the foundation of her musical journey.
She is now preparing to release her latest single, Haina Kupera, on August 1. This is a gospel-house production that she believes reflects both her artistic growth and spiritual convictions.
“The song speaks about the battle between Judas and the Son of God. It encourages people to reflect on Scripture and understand that God’s story of redemption has never ended,” she said.
“I don’t usually sit down to write songs. Most of my music comes from emotions. When I feel something deeply, the melody and lyrics simply come naturally.”
The accompanying music video has already been completed and is awaiting its official release.
Queen Bee describes her sound as a fusion of contemporary house influences, Amapiano-inspired rhythms and Afro-infused melodies, deliberately crafted to appeal to younger audiences while carrying meaningful messages.
“My music has evolved because I no longer create songs only for myself. I think more about the audience and how they will connect with what I am singing about,” she said.
“I want people to be hopeful, resilient, and self-believing whenever they listen to my music.”
Despite her optimism, the singer says independent artistes continue to face significant obstacles, particularly when collaborating with other musicians.
“One of the biggest challenges is that sometimes you pay for collaborations and, before the project is completed, people simply disappear. That can be discouraging, especially for independent artistes who invest their own money,” she said.
Without a manager or record label, Queen Bee currently finances and manages every aspect of her career herself while simultaneously working as a professional hairdresser.
“During the day I focus on my salon work, and at night I dedicate my time to music. It isn’t easy balancing both careers, but I love what I do and I am prepared to work hard for my dreams.”
The artiste believes Zimbabwe’s female musicians still face structural barriers despite growing public appreciation for women in music.
“I think female music is growing, but the progress is slower than it should be. Sometimes upcoming female artistes are overlooked because collaborations often favour already established names.”
“If I become successful, I won’t forget emerging artistes because I know exactly how difficult it is to get an opportunity when you’re starting out.”
Queen Bee says she hopes to collaborate with South African star Makhadzi and Zimbabwean musician Nisha Ts as she expands her musical catalogue through singles, collaborations and eventually a full-length album.
Beyond personal success, she envisions creating opportunities for others.
“My long-term dream is to establish my own recording studio where young artistes, especially girls who struggle to access professional recording facilities, can develop their talent.”
Reflecting on her journey, Queen Bee believes one performance changed everything.
“The turning point came when I performed one of my original songs in front of an audience. Hearing people respond to my music made me realise this is what I was born to do.”
“Every stream, every person who shares my music and every supporter gives me another reason to keep pushing. This is only the beginning.”
As Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry continues to produce a new generation of independent musicians driven by digital platforms and self-funded productions, Queen Bee is betting that authenticity, persistence and faith will prove stronger than the industry’s many barriers.
With a new single and video ready for release on August 1, 2026, the emerging artiste believes her biggest chapter is still ahead.
