Shee receiving the award for Best Spoken Word Artist at the 2024 Zim Hip-Hop Awards.

The moment Shee aka Bhanshee’s name was announced as the winner of the Best Spoken Word Artist at the Zim Hip Hop Awards, she felt an overwhelming sense of validation. Years of dedication, resilience, and purpose-driven artistry had culminated in this moment.

“Winning at the Zim Hip Hop Awards was an incredible feeling! It showed me that my voice matters and that my perspective is valuable. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the people who supported me along the way, especially Accountability Lab and Magamba Network,” she shared.

This recognition is more than just a personal achievement, it marks a significant milestone for 50 socially conscious artists trained and mentored by Accountability Lab Zimbabwe through the Voices to Represent (V2R) program since 2020. Bhanshee had carved out a space for powerful storytelling in hip-hop, blending activism with art to challenge societal norms and advocate for gender justice and mental health awareness.

Bhanshee’s involvement in the V2R initiative, was a turning point in her career. The program rekindled her love for hip-hop and gave her the resources and confidence to produce her first song, “Defiance,” a powerful anthem on womanism.

The track resonated widely and earned her multiple nominations at both the Zim Hip Hop Awards and the Changamire Hip Hop Awards. Notably, she was nominated for Best Female Hip Hop Artist, Best Positive Social Impact, and Best Alternative, solidifying her place as a leading voice in socially conscious music.

Reflecting on the impact of Accountability Lab, Bhanshee acknowledges that the workshops and mentorship she received were instrumental in shaping her understanding of music as a tool for advocacy.

“Being part of the program played a pivotal role for me as an artist. Throughout the program, we had classes led by accountability experts, and from them, I learned various ways to use my music and voice when addressing critical issues,” she shared.

Bhanshee, before her electrifying performance on Morning Rush, ZTN Prime, 2024

With the exposure gained from her music and her participation in the V2R initiative, Bhanshee’s opportunities expanded beyond Zimbabwe.

Through the support of the British Council, she traveled to Kigali, Rwanda, for the Access Music Festival, one of Africa’s largest music events. There, she not only performed but also attended a songwriting camp under Universal Music Publishing Group and 5th Season, further refining her craft.

Behind the Scenes: 2023 Shoko Festival Rehearsals with Bhanshee (right)

The momentum continued when she won the Best Spoken Word Artist award at the Zim Hip Hop Awards, a testament to her talent and impact. She describes the moment as an overwhelming validation of her work.

Beyond the accolades, Bhanshee’s music carries a message of empowerment and healing. Having grown up witnessing the marginalization of women and the struggles surrounding mental health, she channels her experiences into her art. Her annual event, Battlescars and Healing, is dedicated to mental wellness, creating a safe space for dialogue and healing through artistic expression.

Bhanshee’s journey is far from over. As she explores new collaborations and labels, her focus remains on creating music that inspires and educates. “I’ve been independent so far, but I’m now in talks with new labels. More than anything, I want my music to continue being a tool for advocacy and change,” she said.

Bhanshee’s success is a testament to the power of platforms like Accountability Lab Zimbabwe, which provide young artists with the tools to merge creativity with activism. By investing in artists who speak truth to power, the program is cultivating a new generation of musicians who are not just entertainers but also change-makers

Shee performing ‘Defiance’ at Word Kalcha Poetry Slam 202B

As Bhanshee aptly puts it, “Teamwork makes the dream work. When you have an idea or a plan, you need a team to execute it. And if not me, then who?”