Mike Cibeh had no expectations when he submitted his project for the 2024 Zim Hip Hop Awards. He had been making music for years, but recognition had never been his driving force. It was about the message, the passion, and the connection with his audience. Yet, when his name was called as the winner, he was momentarily lost in disbelief.

“I zoned out,” he recalls. “I don’t even remember what I said when I got on stage until I saw a video of it later.”

For Mike, the award for Positive Social Impact was more than a personal achievement. It was validation.
“This recognition means a lot. It makes me believe that what I’m doing isn’t sliding unnoticed. It pushes me to do more, to reach further.”

Interview at Mike’s (Right) hometown at a local radio station, Rusape Stereo 025 with Lipa T.

But his success story isn’t just about talent or luck. It is also about the transformative impact of platforms like Accountability Lab Zimbabwe and its Voice to Represent (V2R) program. Before joining V2R, Mike viewed music as an artistic outlet, recording and sharing songs without much strategic direction.

“I used to think making music was just about recording and putting it out there,” he admits. “But V2R changed the way I operate. I learned that an artist is a brand, just like a business. That knowledge has helped me reach a wider audience and create music that has real impact.”

V2R not only helped Mike refine his approach to music but also strengthened his voice as a socially conscious artist. “Through their workshops, I learned how to use my music to address real societal issues: drug abuse, mental health, economic hardships. I want my audience to relate to my music, to learn from it, to feel motivated and inspired.”

Mike (right) celebrating with McDonald Lewanika, ALZ Country Director, moments after receiving his award.

The V2R exposed Mike to training sessions, mentorship and the Lab’s broader ecosystem of young socially conscious artists motivated to make governance work through art. hadn’t even considered. Through their programs, he attended workshops, networked with industry professionals, and performed at key events. “These opportunities have been crucial. They’ve given me a platform to learn, to connect, and to build meaningful partnerships.”

But the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Mike acknowledges the difficulties of being a socially conscious artist. “There’s censorship, backlash, and sometimes a lack of recognition. Not everyone supports music that highlights uncomfortable truths. But my audience is growing, and that keeps me going.”

Now, with the momentum of his award win, Mike is focusing on expanding his initiatives. He is working on two major projects—one tackling youth mental health and drug abuse in Manicaland, and another, the National Youth Leadership Summit, which fosters entrepreneurship and leadership development. “These initiatives mean everything to me. If not me, then who?”

As Mike looks ahead, his advice to aspiring artists is simple: “If you want to do it, then do it. Speak your truth, but know there’s always a better and safer way to say it. And remember, teamwork makes the dream work. Find your people, build your vision, and make it happen.”