Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
EMERGING Tshibilika/Rhumba musician Thembelani Sibanda aka Umfana Ka Jeroti, is making an early mark on the Bulawayo music scene after his song Bazodlani Abantwabami climbed to the top of the charts on Skyz Metro FM.
The song debuted on the station’s chart on August 29 at number two before rising to the coveted number one position, marking a significant early breakthrough for the Lupane-born musician as he begins carving out a space for himself in the competitive music industry.
For Umfana Ka Jeroti, the milestone is the latest development in a musical journey that began long before he entered a recording studio – as a young listener captivated by the music around him.
“My journey into music began with a love for listening. Growing up in Lupane, I found myself drawn to Rhumba/Tshibilika music, with Tornado Heroes being one of the major influences that deepened my admiration for the genre.
“I spent my early childhood in Jibajiba, a village and communal area in Matabeleland North under the traditional jurisdiction of the Mabhikwa Chieftainship,” he said.
Umfana Ka Jeroti completed his early primary education in Jibajiba before moving to Lupanda. He went on to complete his primary and secondary education at Mkhombo Primary and Secondary schools.
His entry into the music fraternity began taking shape in 2023 when he started working with musicians including Mcebisi of Amathonga Amahle and later Inhlengi Ze Kezi.
“The experiences gave me an opportunity to learn about the music industry while developing my own ambitions as an artiste. By 2025, I had begun writing my own music, including a song titled Iminwe Ayilingani,” he said.
However, financial constraints initially stood in the way of turning his compositions into recordings.
“A move to Bulawayo in 2025 brought another important development. Here I met Rhumba/Tshibilika musician and producer TK of Dubia Masters, with whom I shared my desire to become a recording artiste,” said Umfana Ka Jeroti.
An encounter with Welly, guitarist with Amathonga Amahle, would further push him towards the studio.
“After hearing an audio recording of me singing, Welly encouraged me to go into the studio. I initially hesitated because I didn’t have the money to record, but eventually took the opportunity.
“The resulting recordings were initially kept on my phone as I worked out what direction to take. One of the ideas developed into Bazodlani Abantwabami, while further encouragement from TK resulted in another recording, Zakhala Zoma,” he said.
The release of his music in 2026 has now delivered his first major chart breakthrough, with Bazodlani Abantwabami reaching the summit of the Skyz Metro FM chart.
Beyond his solo work, Umfana Ka Jeroti performs alongside Sipopoma Boys while also working with So Much Music, a new record label focused on identifying and developing emerging artistes.
Despite the early success, he remains focused on building a sustainable career rather than allowing the chart achievement to become a destination. His ambition is to establish himself as one of the leading voices in Rhumba/Tshibilika music while eventually sharing the stage with established artistes from Zimbabwe and the wider region.
“I am still at the beginning of my journey, but I am committed to continuing with music, growing alongside Sipopoma Boys, reaching new audiences and developing a sound that reflects both where I come from and the Rhumba/Tshibilika tradition that first made me fall in love with music,” said Umfana Ka Jeroti. – Follow on X:
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