Mthabisi Tshuma [email protected]
AT 48, Lindelani Mike Sibanda, popularly known as Mike Sibanda, has built a career in rhumba despite challenges such as poverty, piracy and lack of support. Having risen from a rural village with little more than his talent, he is now also using his success to give back to his community.
Born in Halisupi, near Manama High School in Gwanda, Sibanda attended Halisupi Primary and Secondary schools, where his love for music began to grow.
He was inspired by rhumba greats Solomon Skuza and Ndux Malax, whose music showed him that the genre could be more than entertainment. It could tell stories of love, struggle and celebration.
That inspiration eventually took him into the recording studio. In 2012, he released an album titled Kasisebenzeleni Zimbabwe, which became a turning point in his career.
Looking back on his journey, Sibanda, who relocated to the United Kingdom in 2000, said the album helped audiences recognise his talent and gave him the means to improve his family’s circumstances.
“Growing up, music has been something I adored and having to do it myself has been a big help for my life. One of my greatest works has been my album Kasisebenzeleni Zimbabwe that was released in 2012. The album did well for me as I managed to buy a residential stand and that is when people started to realise my talent.
“My challenges have been quite high throughout my journey, which include lack of support, piracy, lack of sponsorship, lack of airplay on radio stations from the beginning, lack of appreciation, lack of finance to record and pay players or band members, lack of musical instruments and also lack of opportunities to be called to perform at music galas,” said Sibanda.
He believes these challenges affect many upcoming musicians and that the industry needs more support to help new talent grow.
“For the music industry and arts sector to grow, we need support from our own Zimbabwean people, including the Government.
“Support them with musical instruments and equipment. Seasoned artistes should also play a big role by helping new artists to grow. They can do this by giving them a chance to curtain-raise at their shows so that their talent can be recognised by fans,” he said.
Sibanda also appealed to radio stations to give local music more airplay thereby helping artistes reach audiences across the country and beyond. He urged the Government to take stronger action against music piracy and those who steal artists’ work.
Away from music, Sibanda is building a second career as a businessman while also supporting children in his home village and surrounding areas with their educational needs.
He runs a small business in the UK, which he hopes to expand to Zimbabwe.
Follow on X: @mthabisi_mthire
