I am proud to share a deeply significant milestone in my journey as an arts journalist, artist manager, arts researcher and founder of Creatives Magazine, a platform dedicated to promoting and documenting African creative excellence. My work has always been rooted in one core belief that African artists deserve not only to be celebrated locally, but to be seen, heard and respected across the continent and beyond. In April 2026, that belief took practical form through a major initiative that I personally conceptualised, initiated and executed.
For two weeks, I was in South Africa leading a strategic media tour for one of Zimbabwe’s most respected and globally celebrated music legends, Jeys Marabini. This was not a random trip or a casual visit. It was a deliberate and carefully organised effort to expand his presence into new media spaces, strengthen his continental footprint and create meaningful engagements with influential broadcasting platforms.
As his marketing manager, I took full responsibility for designing this opportunity from the ground up. I identified South Africa as a key media hub on the continent, not only because of its advanced broadcasting infrastructure but also because of its strong influence in shaping African cultural narratives through radio, television and digital platforms. I understood that placing Jeys Marabini within this environment would not only amplify his voice but also position his work within broader African and global conversations.
This is what guides my work. I do not wait for opportunities to come, I create them. I believe that as arts journalists and managers, our role must evolve beyond documentation. We must become active facilitators of growth, building bridges between artists and platforms that can transform their careers.
One of the most important highlights of this tour was our engagement with the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Securing access to SABC was a major achievement and it clearly reflected the level of planning, networking and determination that went into this initiative. SABC is one of the most powerful and influential broadcasters on the African continent, with a wide reach across radio, television and digital media. For any artist, being featured on such platforms is not only an honour but also a strategic career move.
Visiting SABC for the first time was an experience I will never forget. From the moment we entered the studios, it was clear that we were in a space where media operates at a very high level. The professionalism, the advanced technology and the scale of operations all spoke to the strength of South Africa’s media industry. For both myself and Jeys Marabini, this was a moment of growth and exposure. It was also deeply personal, as it marked the realisation of an idea I had carried for a long time.
I remember clearly when I first shared this vision with Jeys Marabini. I told him that I wanted us to go beyond Zimbabwe, to take his story to platforms that would allow new audiences to connect with his music and his message. He immediately embraced the idea with excitement and trust and that partnership made it possible for us to move forward with confidence.
The success of this tour was also made possible through collaboration with several key individuals who supported the vision and contributed in meaningful ways. Richard from SABC played a central role in coordinating our movement across different stations. His professionalism and willingness to assist ensured that our schedule ran smoothly and that each interview opportunity was properly organised.
We are also deeply grateful to Alfred Chuene, also known as Jazzman from Musina FM. He was instrumental in connecting us to SABC, opening a door that became the foundation of many of our engagements. He also hosted Jeys Marabini on Musina FM, where they had a powerful conversation about his upcoming European tour. This interview helped to position Jeys not only as a local legend but as an artist with an active international presence.
Another key figure in this journey was a South Africa based musician DrLoveNJ. When I first shared the idea of the media tour with him, he did not hesitate to offer his support. What followed was two weeks of consistent, hands-on collaboration. He worked with me every day, helping to coordinate logistics, ensuring that we moved efficiently from one interview to another and documenting the entire journey through photos and videos.
His contribution went beyond logistics. He understood the importance of capturing moments for promotion and storytelling. In today’s digital age, documentation is just as important as the event itself. The content we gathered during this tour continues to serve as valuable material for ongoing promotion.
One of the most memorable moments he organised was a meet-and-greet event at Club Connections in Hillbrow. This created a unique opportunity for Jeys Marabini to interact directly with his fans in South Africa. It was a powerful reminder that music is not only about performance, it is about connection. Seeing fans engage with him, celebrate his work and appreciate his presence in their space was deeply meaningful.
Jeys Marabini also received incredible support from Mr Simple, who hosted him throughout the two-week stay and provided transport to all our engagements. This level of support ensured that we could focus fully on the purpose of the tour without worrying about logistical challenges. These acts of generosity and professionalism played a crucial role in making the entire experience smooth and successful.
Throughout the two weeks, we engaged with a wide range of media platforms, each offering a unique audience and experience. At Kaya FM, Jeys Marabini was featured on The World Show with Nicky B, a respected programme known for its focus on global sounds and deep musical conversations. This platform allowed him to speak not only about his music but also about the philosophy behind it.
At Soweto TV in Orlando West, we connected with a strong community-based audience. The interview provided an opportunity to engage with viewers who value cultural storytelling and authentic African expression.
Golden Mic Radio hosted one of the most dynamic sessions of the tour. On the Timeless show with Rob the Time Traveler, the conversation moved beyond structured questions into a free-flowing discussion about music, identity and global connections. What made this moment particularly special for me was that I was also invited to participate in an interview. This recognition of my work as an artist manager and journalist was deeply meaningful. It gave me a platform to speak about my role, my vision and the importance of strategic artist promotion.
Other interviews were conducted on One Africa Radio TV with Mbali Ntuli, Thobela FM and Channel Africa. Each of these platforms contributed to building a broader and more diverse audience for Jeys Marabini’s work.
Across all these engagements, one thing became very clear that media exposure is essential for artists at every level. Whether an artist is established or emerging, radio and television platforms provide access to audiences that cannot be reached through live performances alone. They create visibility, build credibility and open doors to new opportunities.
For established artists like Jeys Marabini, these platforms help to maintain relevance and introduce their work to new generations. For emerging artists, they offer validation and a chance to be discovered. In both cases, media plays a critical role in shaping an artist’s career.
This is why my work focuses so strongly on creating these opportunities. I understand that talent must be supported by strategy. Artists need to be positioned in the right spaces, at the right time and in the right way.
During the interviews, Jeys Marabini shared his story as a musician, cultural ambassador and storyteller. With a career spanning over three decades, his music continues to carry messages of African identity, spirituality, history and unity. He spoke about his upbringing in Filabusi, his journey from humble beginnings and his evolution into an international performer who has graced stages across the world.
His music is deeply rooted in tradition, yet it speaks to contemporary audiences. It is this balance that makes his work powerful and timeless. Through these interviews, new audiences were able to understand not just the artist, but the person and the purpose behind the music.
This tour has reinforced an important message that I want to share with all creatives, not only musicians, but writers, dancers, actors and visual artists. Opportunities like these are not reserved for a few. They can be created through vision, planning and commitment.
We must begin to think beyond our immediate environments. Africa is full of platforms, audiences and possibilities. What is needed is the willingness to step forward, to connect and to invest in visibility.
As for me, I remain committed to this work. I will continue to build platforms, create opportunities and connect artists to spaces where their work can be appreciated and celebrated.
This journey with Jeys Marabini is a clear example of what is possible when we take initiative and believe in the value of our artists. It is not just a story of a successful tour, it is a model for how we can move African creativity forward.
And for me, Sithokozile Sibanda (Arts Journalist, Arts Researcher, Artist Manager & Creatives Magazine Founder), this is only the beginning.
