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Mbulelo Mpofu, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
FROM the vibrant streets of Bulawayo to the creative hub of Hamburg, Germany Ackim Sibanda, known in the music circles as Malo On The Beat, carries himself with the quiet confidence of royalty.
His journey, starting humbly with a SingStar microphone, has evolved into a regal procession across the global soundscape.
A modern musical alchemist, Malo is on a dedicated quest: to universalise the rich, rhythmic soul of Zimbabwe, proving its power to resonate in every corner of the world.
His latest offering, the soul-stirring gospel anthem, “Simba,” stands as a potent testament to this mission, blending languages, cultures, and continents into a single, uplifting prayer.
Malo’s ascent, beginning with his first production placement in 2015 alongside Emcee Mr Kata, has been marked by relentless evolution and a steadfast ethos: “Never Give Up.”
This diligence has seen him craft beats for a constellation of international stars – from the soulful Indian melodies of Muzzle and Talwiinder, to the rhythmic fire of South Africa’s singer-songwriter and record producer, Tellaman and Hanna, and the potent local energy of talents like Asaph Afrika (executive producing his Def Jam-backed, “Big Mhofu” project).
His production prowess garnered prestigious nods: a South African Music Awards (SAMA27) nomination for Best R&B/Soul Album (LaSauce’s “Sindisiwe” ) and a South African Hip Hop Awards (SAHHA21) nomination for Best Female Album (Hanna’s “The Girl in the Durag.”)
But Malo is no longer content solely behind the console.
Stepping into the spotlight as a recording artiste, his single “Thando” became a phenomenon, cracking the Top 50 Shazamed charts in Namibia and Malawi, echoing across Tanzanian and Spanish airwaves, and gracing platforms from MTV to Rolling Stone and BBC Radio.
This dual role as creator and conduit is central to his vision.
Enter “Simba.” More than just a track, it’s a spiritual experience engineered for both reverence and revelry.
Produced by Malo, it masterfully fuses heartfelt worship with the irresistible drive of Afro and Amapiano.
Harare’s Kusky delivers emotive verses and a soaring hook, while Oscar De Racso grounds the track with a powerful IsiNdebele verse reflecting on divine blessings.
The seamless blend of ChiShona, IsiNdebele, and English isn’t happenstance; it’s Malo’s blueprint for connection.
In an interview with Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub, Malo said, “With ‘Simba’, I wanted to put both our faith and culture at the forefront. That’s why I was intentional about having both a Shona and Ndebele artiste on the record – to highlight our diversity and beauty. My goal was to create a sonic landscape that feels familiar to global ears while still carrying Africa’s heartbeat. It’s about inviting people from all walks of life into our story which is also relatable for many people in the world right now.”
The song’s genesis was organic, born at a 2023 music camp with Parismusic and Kusky.
Malo said the project wasn’t planned but Kusky’s eventual demo arrived as a lifeline: “Funny enough, it wasn’t planned at all. Kunsky’s demo instantly lifted my spirit at a very low point in my life.”
He then assembled a team – Aleo, Hector Lecona, Parismusicxo – embodying his collaborative spirit: “Being selfless and letting others bring their best to the table made the record what it is.”
Malo’s cross-cultural fluency isn’t theoretical; it’s forged in the studio.
His work with artistes across India, South Africa, Bulgaria, and beyond is the engine driving his mission to translate Zimbabwean essence globally.
“I’ve been blessed with an incredible journey so far. I’ve always believed music is a universal language. Building my career from Europe naturally pushed me into this space of genre fusion. Working with one of my best friends and close collaborator, Muzzle from India has really helped me dive deeper into different cultures and sounds. That has given me a unique sonic diversity, which I carry into my music. For me, these cross-cultural bridges help translate Zimbabwean music in fresh and relatable ways for a global audience.”
This dual identity – producer and artiste – grants him unique leverage.
“Being both a producer and an artiste gives me a special kind of reach and creativity. As a producer, I love creating a canvas for others to paint on. But as an artiste, I can also step in, shape the vision, and make sure it reflects both my story and the artiste’s story. This dual role allows me to intentionally craft a sound that speaks for our people – not just through lyrics, but through the sonic elements in the production itself,” he shared.
The world is listening. The international embrace of, “Thando” and the burgeoning reach of, “Simba,” amplified by platforms like MTV and BBC Radio, signal a growing appetite.
Malo credits the Amapiano wave but sees far greater potential.
“The reception has been amazing so far. Amapiano’s global dominance has definitely helped tracks like ‘Thando’ and ‘Simba’ find mass appeal. But I believe the world has only scratched the surface of what Zimbabwe has to offer. We truly have some of the most talented creatives back home. Our rhythms are key – they naturally draw people in. And seeing international artistes experiment with instruments like the mbira shows that Zimbabwean roots are spreading.”
He pointed to boundary-pushers like Nitefreak, Dr Chaii, and Daecolm as evidence of the movement.
The next frontier?
“For Zimbabwean music to fully globalise, I believe we need to come together and brew something straight from the source. That time is coming.”
The path of an independent global artiste is demanding and Malo has felt his fair share of the brunt as well.
“Being an independent artiste today is honestly an extreme sport!”
Yet, the highs resonate deeply with the validation of his work.
“My first appearance on MTV India,” the pride in producing for a “SAMA-nominated album,” and the profound joy of seeing “Thando, an IsiNdebele song, chart in Namibia and Malawi was a beautiful reminder that music truly is a universal language.”
The lows often stem from the practicalities: “the lack of professionalism in some emerging markets, especially around collaboration admin. That can be draining and takes away from the joy of creating.”
Based in Germany, where the scene leans “heavily toward pop and commercial music” compared to Zimbabwe’s “rhythmic, dancehall-inspired” dominance, Malo observes a nascent interest in Afro-centric sounds.
Yet, his heart often drifts south.
“I miss the people. Bulawayo has its own kind of spirit, and the people there are truly amazing. I also miss my family, without a doubt. And of course, the food – nothing beats a good old braai!”
Malo On The Beat stands at a unique crossroads: a Zimbabwean prince in a German studio, crafting anthems that pulse with ancestral rhythms and global ambition.
“Simba” is more than a song; it’s a declaration – a fusion of faith, culture, and irresistible groove designed to uplift universally.
With his, “Never Give Up” spirit, his mastery of the beat, and his unwavering belief in the universal power of Zimbabwean sound, Malo isn’t just carrying his roots onto the world stage; he’s building a palace where everyone is invited to dance, pray, and belong.
The globalisation of Zimbabwe’s sonic soul has found its tireless architect, and his blueprint is only getting more expansive. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
Online Reporter