Bulawayo Hip-Hop Artist Challenges Rural Stereotypes

Effort Moyo

Zimbabwean hip-hop artist Awakhiwe Sibanda, better known by her stage name Awa Khiwe, is boldly redefining rural identity through her music, taking a stand against the stereotypes often associated with growing up in Zimbabwe’s rural communities.

Raised in Nkayi, Matabeleland North, Awa Khiwe experienced the challenges and negative perceptions that come with being from a rural area. In an interview with Skyzmetro FM, she shared how people told her hip-hop wasn’t for those from rural backgrounds, leaving her feeling like an outsider.

“Sometimes, as people from rural areas, others look down on you, and you start to feel like certain things aren’t for you in life. Many people made me feel lost in hip-hop. Some would say hip-hop is for the cool people who wear flat caps, that I didn’t belong here. They’d tell me I should be singing traditional music. But that wasn’t what I wanted. I wanted to do hip-hop,” said Awa Khiwe.

She went on to explain how rural stereotypes often extend to jokes about people from Nkayi and Tsholotsho not knowing things like pizza, further reinforcing the perception that people from rural areas are out of touch with modern life.

“It shows there’s a stereotype that rural people can’t do certain things just because of where we’re from. But that’s not true,” she added.

Through her music and actions, Awa Khiwe has proven that exposure doesn’t limit one’s potential. Determined to inspire others from rural areas, she shot her first music video in Nkayi, using it as a platform to encourage other young people to pursue their dreams, regardless of their background.

“I featured village girls in the video, with makeup, so they could see that they’re not limited by their surroundings. They can do whatever they want, even if they feel like they’re from a village. They can sing RnB or whatever genre they choose, and be good at it. It was an amazing experience, and it was beautiful,” Awa Khiwe reflected.

Awa Khiwe’s message is one of empowerment and inclusivity. She firmly believes that everyone deserves a chance to succeed, regardless of where they come from. By blending hip-hop with Ndebele culture, she stays true to her roots while breaking down stereotypes in the music industry.