Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu [email protected]
TEENAGE spoken word artiste Amen Sibanda is proving that youthful creativity knows no boundaries. Fresh from securing third place at the Phangani Vocational Training Centre Provincial Skills Fair Competition 2026 last month, the emerging talent has wasted no time building on his momentum, expanding his artistic footprint with the release of two Amapiano songs and a new poetry piece.
The latest developments in Sibanda’s career speaks to a growing wave of young and emerging creatives who are boldly redefining Zimbabwe’s arts landscape by refusing to be confined to a single genre or discipline.
Known for his thought-provoking poetry that tackles social issues such as drug and substance abuse and mortality, Sibanda has built a reputation as a fearless young voice with a message. However, his latest creative venture sees him stepping into unfamiliar territory — music.
Reflecting on how music gradually found its way into his artistic expression, Sibanda said the transition was a natural progression from his spoken word performances.
“I started using music beats as a backdrop for performance of my poetry and after that, I realised that I can create melodious vocals in piano soundtrack as I’m inspired by Blaq Major. Also, I believe that when I combine my poetry and piano music, it may have a heightened emotional impact and make the audience not just hear but feel the message,” he said.
The young artiste revealed that his newly released music takes a softer, more introspective direction, exploring themes of love and emotional uncertainty.
“My new music is soft piano with my voice over it. It’s about love, the confusing kind, where you don’t have all the answers. I just want people to feel it, to sit in that emotion with me,” he said.
Unlike the socially-charged themes that characterise much of his poetry, the new musical offerings delve into personal emotions and vulnerability.
“The new songs are very intimate. It’s just me and the piano. I’m singing about being in love but not knowing where you stand, that in-between feeling. I made it so people can close their eyes and feel like they’re inside the story.
“It sounds like a late-night conversation you have with yourself. Soft keys, my voice and honest words about love that doesn’t make sense yet. I want listeners to feel seen — like I wrote it about them.”
Sibanda’s latest catalogue additions include the poetry piece “Guga Sithebe Kade Wacholelwa” , featuring Luba Imbongikazi, as well as the amapiano tracks, “Thanda Bani” , featuring Ngqabutho “King Keith” Masuku, and, “Iphutha”.
For the young creative, venturing into music was not a spur-of-the-moment decision but rather the fulfillment of a long-held ambition.
“As an artiste, growth comes from challenging yourself. I’ve always wanted to explore new creative territories and push beyond the boundaries of spoken word. Music allows me to express emotions in a different way while still telling stories and connecting with people. This is just the beginning of that journey,” said Sibanda.
Institutions such as Phangani Vocational Training Centre are playing a pivotal role in nurturing youth potential. Located in Filabusi in the Insiza District of Matabeleland South, the Government-supported technical and entrepreneurial training institution equips young people with practical, hands-on skills aimed at empowering them economically while addressing community challenges. While primarily focused on vocational and entrepreneurial development, competitions hosted by the institution continue to provide a platform for young creatives to gain exposure and confidence in their abilities.
For Sibanda, placing third at the Provincial Skills Fair Competition appears to have ignited an even greater determination to pursue artistic excellence. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofuEnds…
