Online Reporter
Zimpapers Entertainment Hub
The countdown to the biggest beauty extravaganza in the country has reached fever pitch, and award-winning singer Xiba is promising nothing short of fireworks when she opens the Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 grand finale this weekend.
Girl power will be on full display this weekend as Zimbabwe’s brightest beauty hopefuls, global pageant royalty, and rising music sensation Xiba converge for what promises to be the most spectacular Miss Universe Zimbabwe finale yet.
Xiba, born Elisheba Sikireta and widely known on stage as Xiba, is a rising Zimbabwean musician, singer, and songwriter known for her versatile vocals and her contributions to Afro-pop, dancehall, and contemporary genres.
For the fast-rising star, the opportunity represents more than just another performance — it is a celebration of empowered women, dreams without limits, and Zimbabwean talent shining before influential brands, international guests, and global pageant stakeholders.
With excitement sweeping across the nation, the talented songstress says she is honoured to be part of a pageant that continues to raise Zimbabwe’s flag high on the international stage while attracting global brands, influential personalities, and beauty enthusiasts from across the continent.
For Xiba, being selected to open one of the country’s most prestigious events is another milestone in a career that continues to gather momentum.
“Opening Miss Universe Zimbabwe is a great opportunity for me. I’m very honoured and blessed because there are going to be big names and major brands at the event,” said Xiba.
“It gives me an opportunity for people to appreciate my talent while also connecting with the contestants and the audience supporting these beautiful women who will be representing Zimbabwe internationally. Sharing the stage with amazing personalities and performers is something I’m really excited about.”
The singer’s inclusion on the programme reflects the pageant’s growing commitment to combining beauty, fashion, and entertainment into a world-class production. Known for her versatility, Xiba has steadily built a reputation as one of the country’s most promising young performers. She comfortably moves between R&B, Afropop and contemporary sounds while maintaining a distinctive identity that continues to resonate with audiences across different age groups.
“When it comes to my music, I believe I am versatile. I can sing R&B, hip-hop, Afro-pop, and many other genres, and I always enjoy challenging myself creatively while staying true to who I am as an artiste.”
Asked how she is juggling music and schooling, the 24-year-old said, “Right now I have been juggling music as well as my degree which I am pursuing with Midland State University. I am supposed to finish it next year, if everything goes well.”
“My role models are Ammara Brown and Beyonce, those two continue to inspire me,” she said.
“It’s just their work ethic as they are down to earth. Their work ethic is great, and it has been a great journey just learning from those two. I also love to listen to other local artistes like Jah Prayzah and Nutty O, among others.”
“I used to sing in church when I was young, and in primary school as well as high school. I used to participate in each and every extra curricular activity that involved music. I was on the choir, and I used to participate in the Adelaide Art Steel Pan. I can also play marimba which I learned during my school days,” said Xiba.
Meanwhile, organisers say all systems are ready for the highly anticipated Miss Universe Zimbabwe 2026 grand finale, with preparations now entering the final stretch ahead of what is expected to be a historic night for Zimbabwean pageantry.
Miss Universe Zimbabwe chairperson Dyanne Kabwebwe said preparations were progressing smoothly, with the organising team working around the clock to ensure a world-class production befitting the pageant’s growing international profile.
“We are excited and ready. The finalists have worked incredibly hard throughout boot camp, and we are confident that Zimbabweans will witness one of the best pageants ever staged in the country,” she said.
Adding to the excitement is the arrival of former Miss Universe 2019, Zozibini Tunzi, who touched down in Zimbabwe ahead of the finale. The South African
