From Music to Infrastructure: Shane Manjelo Launches Street Lighting Project

Entrepreneur and former musician Shane Manjelo has moved from the entertainment industry into infrastructure development, launching a community street lighting project aimed at improving safety and extending economic activity.

Manjelo, previously known as “Sugar Shane” for his work in hip-hop and gqom music as part of the duo Blackdiamond and later as a solo artist, said he used proceeds from his music career to build businesses before shifting focus to civic projects.

“My music carried an underlying message: independence, ownership, and the importance of building something sustainable beyond fame,” Manjelo said.

“While many artists struggle to convert popularity into long-term opportunity, I leveraged my platform and earnings to step into business, marking the beginning of a much larger vision.

After exiting music, Manjelo entered the food and services sector and later invested in delivery and logistics platforms that connect consumers with local businesses.

He said the business approach was guided by supporting local suppliers, creating jobs, and building systems that keep money circulating within the economy.

“Recognising the potential within the food and service industry, I transitioned into entrepreneurship by launching ventures in that sector,” he said.

“This move reflected a clear understanding of local demand and the importance of creating value within the community.”

In recent years Manjelo has focused on infrastructure through the “Light Up Bulawayo” initiative, which targets inadequate street lighting in residential areas.

The project aims to install solar-powered lights in areas where poor lighting affects public safety, business hours, delivery efficiency and overall economic activity.

“Poorly lit streets are more than an inconvenience—they affect public safety, business operating hours, delivery efficiency and overall economic activity,” Manjelo said.

“Understanding this, I initiated efforts to install solar-powered street lights in key areas.

What started as a practical solution for operational challenges has evolved into a broader community-driven project.”

The entrepreneur said he is currently working with residents in Cheltenham to install 20 new street lights, using a collaborative model that combines private initiative with community participation.

“Street lighting, though often overlooked, is a critical pillar of any growing economy.

Well-lit urban environments extend trading hours for businesses, improve safety for workers and consumers, enable logistics and delivery services to operate efficiently, and increase investor confidence,” he said.

Manjelo said this shift reflects a broader change in how influence is measured, moving from entertainment to systems-building.

“My journey is not just about personal success, but about redefining impact: from creating soundtracks to creating opportunities, from performing on stages to improving streets, from individual ambition to collective progress,” he said.

He added that sustainable development often begins with individual action rather than large-scale projects.

“Sustainable development does not always begin with grand projects, it often starts with individuals willing to act. And sometimes, it starts with something as simple as turning on a light,” Manjelo said.

The Light Up Bulawayo project is ongoing, with organisers saying additional areas will be assessed based on community needs and operational demand.