Tsibi, the rise of a kasi rapper in Plumtree

SUNDAY Mpumelelo Mkandawire (pictured far right) is the latest edition to the Zimbabwean music industry. Popularly known as Tsibi, the Plumtree town-born artiste seeks to take a crack at the House and Kasi rap musical genres.

Born 24 years ago, Tsibi is already a game-changing artiste and celebrity by his own right in the border town.

Tsibi began his career as a near-novelty — a pre-teen delivering hardcore hip-hop — but through years of maturation, he has finally found his place in the industry.

With 5 tracks to his name and a number of performances Tsibi said he was confident that he could challenge even some of the country’s established rappers.

“. . . My only setback at the moment is getting my music out there through radio stations. Already I have a wide fan base in my town. Music runs through my veins, as I was born into a musical family. My father was a jazz musician and played in South Africa. He however, has since retired but still plays whenever he gets the chance.

Tsibi started rapping while he was still in primary school but later ventured and redefined himself as a competitive rapper last year.

“I started singing when I was a young man in Dingumuzi Primary school. I was inspired by my father who was also a musician. I am part of a rising music movement in Plumtree known as Toundtainment Events. The stable discovered me at a show when I did a freestyle. Some of my most recognised songs are Plumtree my home produced by Khulekani Sibindi, Sphuma La produced by DJ Skaiva and Bambelela produced by Rox,” said Tsibi.

He said he had hopes of putting his hometown on the map through his talent.