Creatives Magazine and The Visionary Behind It – Sithokozile Sibanda
OUR STORY
Creatives Magazine was born out of deep passion and purpose. Before launching the platform, founder Sithokozile Sibanda volunteered as a Special Arts Correspondent for Ilanga, a community newspaper under NewZiana, in 2021. Moved by the incredible artistic talent across Matabeleland in music, poetry, theatre, drama and visual arts, she offered her services for free, driven not by profit, but by a calling to uplift and empower marginalized creatives.
At Ilanga, Sithokozile focused on giving visibility to artists who were often overlooked by mainstream media. Her work included profiling more than fifty creatives and actively contributing to marketing and promotional efforts. Her passion and dedication earned her several accolades, including the prestigious 2022 National Arts Merit Award (NAMA) for Outstanding Journalist of the Year.
Fueled by the impact of her work and the stories still waiting to be told, Sithokozile realized she could do more and do it independently. This led to the founding of Rainbow Province Creatives Private Limited, trading as Creatives Magazine, a brand powered by heart, driven by purpose and committed to changing the creative landscape.
Founded in 2022, Creatives Magazine is an award-winning Zimbabwean digital platform dedicated to spotlighting and supporting artists from underrepresented, remote and culturally rich communities. Rooted in the belief that every creative deserves visibility, our platform documents the voices and works of visual and performing artists, from musicians and poets to theatre practitioners and traditional artisans. With over 120 artists profiled and eight critically acclaimed issues published as well as several blog articles, Creatives Magazine is a leading voice in cultural storytelling, exploring themes such as Imbube music, indigenous heritage, disability inclusion and African identity.
VISION STATEMENT
To be Africa’s leading platform that amplifies underrepresented artists and preserves cultural heritage through creative excellence.
mission STATEMENT
Creatives Magazine is dedicated to empowering underrepresented African artists by providing comprehensive talent publicity through authentic artist profiles and delivering professional management services including bookings, brand partnerships and sponsorship opportunities. Our mission is to amplify their voices, turn artistic passion into sustainable careers and create impactful talent deals. We strive to preserve and celebrate Africa’s rich cultural heritage while building pathways for creatives to grow, connect and thrive in the global creative economy.
CORE VALUES
Empowerment
We uplift underrepresented artists by providing them with the visibility and professional support needed to succeed.
Cultural Preservation
We honour and protect Africa’s diverse artistic heritage, ensuring it is celebrated and sustained for future generations.
Integrity
We commit to authentic storytelling, ethical practices and transparent partnerships that build trust within the creative community.
Meet the Founder: Sithokozile Sibanda
Sithokozile Sibanda is a Zimbabwean cultural professional, academic and multi-award-winning arts journalist. Her work sits at the intersection of media innovation, cultural preservation and creative entrepreneurship. She is the Founder, Content Creator and Editor-in-Chief of Creatives Magazine, a platform she envisioned to give voice to the unheard and recognition to the overlooked.
With over five years of experience in arts journalism, digital publishing, research and artist development, Sithokozile has emerged as a transformative force in Zimbabwe’s creative economy. She holds:
- MSc in Journalism and Media Studies (NUST)
- Postgraduate Diploma in Media and Society Studies (MSU)
- BA in Media Studies (ZOU)
Under her leadership, Creatives Magazine has established key partnerships with organizations such as the Thobela Arts Foundation, Siqalo Pictures, T.I.M.E Project and Nkomwa Foundation Trust, broadening the magazine’s social impact.
Our Pillars of Strength: The Creatives Magazine Team
Behind every powerful story, striking design and seamless digital experience at Creatives Magazine is a dedicated team of visionaries who have stood shoulder to shoulder with Sithokozile Sibanda since the magazine’s inception in 2022.
We proudly acknowledge and honour the exceptional individuals who form the backbone of this creative movement:
Sithokozile Sibanda
Creatives Magazine Founder, Artist Manager & Arts Journalist
Priscilla Xeshelihle Moyo
Programmes & Events Manager
Makwelo Dube
Digital Platforms Manager.
To this incredible team: thank you for your unwavering dedication, creative excellence and belief in the mission. From long hours to bold ideas, you have helped turn a grassroots vision into a nationally recognized platform. Creatives Magazine would not be what it is today without your tireless support and shared passion for empowering the unheard. Together, we continue to turn underdogs into icons and build a future where every artist, no matter where they come from, has a place, a platform and a powerful voice.
WHAT WE OFFER
Talent Publicity through Artist Profiles
Showcasing the stories, achievements and creative journeys of underrepresented African artists through engaging editorial features.
Professional Artist Management
Delivering tailored services such as bookings, brand partnerships, sponsorship opportunities and career guidance to help artists thrive.
Production of Electronic Press Kits (EPKs) & Portfolios
Creating polished, professional EPKs and portfolios tailored for each artist, designed for hosting on their own individual websites to maximize their online presence and attract industry attention.
Community Engagement & Cultural Advocacy
Leading initiatives that celebrate cultural heritage, encourage inclusive storytelling and foster collaboration within creative communities.
Global Recognition & Leadership
Sithokozile’s contributions have garnered local and international recognitions, including:
- 2025 Tällberg-SNF-Eliasson Global Leadership Prize Nominee, Sweden.
- 2025 CPI Global Connect Workshop in Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- 2025 Afri’Talent Cohort, Southern Africa Bootcamp participant in Johannesburg, South Africa.
- 2023 Resilience Award – African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative (AWEC), Kenya.
- 2022 NAMA Award – Outstanding Print Journalist, Zimbabwe.
- Multiple RoilBAA nominations including for Outstanding Online Media and Arts Journalist, Zimbabwe.
She is also an alumna of high-impact creative programs:
- Academy for Women Entrepreneurs – AWE (2021), cohort 3
- African Women Entrepreneurship Cooperative – AWEC (2022–2023), cohort 4
- SME Growth Lab Africa (2024), cohort 2
- So Creative Program by British Council & Magitare Africa Trust (2025)
Cultural Advocacy in Action
From hosting disability awareness dialogues with Nkomwa Foundation Trust to organizing milestone events like the Imbube Music Celebration and Zimbabwe’s 16 Languages Cultural Festival, Sithokozile remains committed to inclusive storytelling and cultural equity.
Connect with Sithokozile Sibanda
Website: creativesmagazine.co.zw
Email: sibandas2308@gmail.com
Phone: +263 773 248 538 | +263 719 248 538
LinkedIn: Sithokozile Sibanda
Facebook: @sibanda2308
