GHANA-BASED Afro-Fusion artist Crispen Sibanda is making waves in the music industry with his latest releases. His debut single Happiness broke geographic barriers, garnering over 50 000 streams mostly from West Africa.
Crispen's move to Ghana in 2022 to work with his father has seemingly influenced his music, blending traditional Zimbabwean instrumentation with modern electronic beats. His upcoming EP is scheduled for release before year-end.
Standard Style reporter Khumbulani Muleya (KM) spoke to Crispen Sibanda (CS). Below are excerpts from the interview.
KM: Congratulations on the success of Happiness and Mafaro. How does it feel to be able to achieve international recognition before gaining widespread acclaim in your home country? Does it surprise you that your music has resonated with audiences abroad, specifically in Ghana before gaining significant traction in Zimbabwe?
CS: Thank you so much. It’s an amazing feeling to see your music move in countries that you never thought would ever hear you. I am so surprised because my sound is different. I am just being myself and experiencing what I have gone through and have been surrounded by. I hope that somewhere in my music my people can find something they can relate to because what I want to do is represent and show the world that Zimbabwe is good, we have talent even if I do it in my own way.
KM: How has your experience been moving from Zimbabwe to Ghana and navigating the music industry in a new country?
CS: It’s been tricky, because each country’s industry works in different ways but I am grateful because I get to learn from both and grow from it.
KM: What inspired your decision to move to Ghana and pursue music opportunities there? How has the experience been so far?
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CS: Honestly when I moved to Ghana it wasn’t for music, I was just going to visit my dad not knowing it was part of God's plan. The experience has been electrifying and informative. I faced challenges but overcame them. I am so grateful that Ghanaians welcomed me with open arms.
KM: What are some of your childhood memories growing up in Riverside, Paddonhurst, Matshemhlophe and Babourfields? (I also grew up near Petra Primary in Matshemhlophe) How did your upbringing in these neighbourhoods influence your music and artistic style?
CS: I remember in 2008 I was at Riverside, it was very tough then. We used to survive mostly because of my dad’s garden, we ate potatoes and peas and chimodo (homemade bread) daily because the bread was scarce. Paddonhurst is where I was born, I got scars on my forehead (because of being naughty) while living there. Matshemhlophe is where I grew up. That’s where I got my first girlfriend and first heartbreak. I was exposed to urban music because I grew up in those areas. We used to listen to Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Drake, Jason Derulo, Rihanna and others. So it is from those experiences that my music was influenced.
KM: What sparked your childhood passion for music and how did your family support your early interest?
CS: My brother used to do music and he had a mini studio in the room that we both shared. That’s what sparked my passion. My parents never supported the idea of me doing music. They wanted me to focus on schoolwork and get a regular job. But recently they realised the time, passion and effort that I put in and saw how brightly I shine when doing music. They eventually saw that it was pointless to stop it, they have tried so many times but at the end of the day, I would wind up in a studio making music.
KM: Talking about making music. What was it like working with High-life and Afrobeats singer-songwriter Kuami Eugene on Bye O, and how did you come together on that project?
CS: Kuami Eugene helped me come up with the song ‘Happiness’. It was a truly great experience, however, he was very strict and for instance, if I missed a note or used the wrong breathing technique I would start all over again. It was so professional. On top of that I had to learn how to sing in a whole different language. I think that helped me improve myself. It was a blessing working with him.
KM: You have also collaborated with other artists from Ghana such as Adina Thembi, Medikal and Lali x Lola. What did you enjoy most about working with them?
CS: It was nice to see how other artists work. Seeing their working processes was sensational. I also wanted to see if they also made mistakes and rethink their lyrics and changed them and just go mad but it was all good vibes and we learnt from each other.
KM: How do you see your music evolving in the next few years and what goals do you have for your career on the continent and beyond?
CS: Honestly I don’t know how my music will evolve. I think that is the beauty of it. All I do is express myself and each day carries a different lesson and feeling. However, I plan to take my music globally and open gates that some see as impossible. I want to give some hope to whichever artists follow me.
KM: Are there any local cultural traditions or practices that you draw upon to create a unique sound that showcases where you come from and sets you apart in the music industry, is this something that you’re interested in?
CS: I like to combine cultures to make my artistic vision limitless. And it’s also nice to know different types of cultures you get to realise that we are not so different. So far I have mixed Ghanaian, Zimbabwean, Nigerian and South African cultures.
KM: Thanks for hanging out, all the best.
CS: Cheers.
