Xiba (Yoshiba Elishiba Ropafadzo Sikireta): From Pastor’s Daughter to Zimbabwean Music Sensation
Xiba — real name Yoshiba Elishiba Ropafadzo Sikireta — is a gifted singer and one of Zimbabwe’s fastest-rising female vocalists. From being a pastor’s kid with dreams of becoming a lawyer to becoming the vibrant voice behind the smash hit “Bhiya” (her chart-topping collaboration with Killer T), she is proving that destiny sometimes sings louder than plans.
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| How Xiba (Elishiba Sikireta) is Shaping Zimbabwean Music |
At just 24 years old, Xiba is carving out her space in the music industry with a powerful voice, a fresh Afro-fusion/Zimdancehall sound, and a stage presence that sets her apart. Balancing fame, personal growth, and her education, she is quickly becoming one of the most compelling young artists in Harare — and a name the Zimbabwean music scene can no longer ignore.
From Law Suits to Studio Booths
Xiba, the last born in a family of six, describes herself as a "spoiled" but hardworking child. She attended Riverton Academy for primary school and Stillwaters Learning Academy for high school, crediting the latter for grooming her confidence through Marimba and Allied Arts competitions.
Although she initially aspired to be a lawyer—inspired by the TV show Suits—she later pivoted to music. She is currently in her final year at Midlands State University (MSU), studying Business Music, Musicology, and Technology, balancing her rising career with weekend classes.
The Industry Climb
Xiba's professional break came when she was introduced to Holy Ten, who was a neighbor in Zimre Park. Impressed by her vocals, he signed her to his label, Samanyanga Sounds, in 2023. While she describes the experience as a valuable learning curve, she eventually departed amicably to gain creative control.
"The rope was too long," she explained, noting that in a label hierarchy, the main artist comes first, followed by management, leaving signed artists waiting for their turn. She is now managed by her brother.
While she has dabbled in Zimdancehall and Hip Hop, Xiba identifies most with R&B. Her tone is often described as warm and rich. She draws significant inspiration from Amara Brown—whom she considers a mentor and mother figure in the industry—and global icon Beyoncé.
The Hit: "Biya"
Released just before the festive season, her track "Biya" became an instant hit. The song gained massive traction partly due to a viral TikTok trend where Xiba used a "big nose" filter to promote it, confusing and amusing fans simultaneously.
The success of the track led to her inclusion in major events, including her self-proclaimed "best performance" at the Nubian Notes concert, where the crowd's energy solidified her status as a performer.
Life Behind the Fame
Despite the industry's challenges, Xiba maintains a grounded personal life. She is a Pastor's kid (PK) and is currently in a supportive relationship. She humorously recounted how her partner supports her even during humble moments, like using InDrive to get around town before acquiring her own vehicle.
Yoshiba Elishiba Ropafadzo Sikireta (Xiba) has faced her share of cyberbullying, noting that Zimbabwean social media can be "ungovernable." She advises young women in the industry to develop a thick skin and focus on their craft, advocating against cyberbullying during the 16 Days of Activism.
Frequently Asked Questions
Her real name is Elishiba Ropafadzo Sikireta.
Xiba is 24 years old.
No, she left Samanyanga Sounds amicably to pursue her career as an independent artist with creative control.
You can follow her on YouTube as XIBA and on other platforms as Xiba Music Official.
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