Rising Star Xantel Takes the Music Scene by Storm with Hit Single Icebo

Up-and-coming musician Xantel is the name on everyone’s lips following the massive success of her debut single Icebo, which has taken the music scene by storm and catapulted the young star into national recognition.
The song, a soulful fusion of Afro-pop and Afro-soul, carries a powerful message of hope and guidance, and it has resonated deeply with fans across the country. Since its release last month, Icebo has climbed radio charts and held strong, signaling a bold arrival for Xantel in the competitive world of music.
The singer, whose real name is Gugulethu Sibanda, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming reception the song has received.
“Seeing my song climb the radio charts and stay strong for weeks is a dream come true. The support from fans and listeners means everything. I am grateful and humbled,” she said.
Xantel shared that the realisation of her dream became even more tangible when she started hearing her song playing in various public places and on the radio while driving.
“I feel so happy… it’s moments like those that make all the hard work worth it,” she added.
Since the release of Icebo, Xantel has seen a rapid rise in demand, with more gigs, interviews, and fan interactions than ever before. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many people recognising her in public and expressing how deeply they connect with her music.
“People recognising me on the streets out there and telling me how they really connect with the song… it’s surreal. But the best part is connecting with people through my music.”
The reception from within the music industry has also blown her away. Fellow artists and producers have embraced her with open arms, and industry leaders have started to take serious notice of her talent.
“Fellow artistes, producers have shown me love and support and the feedback has been phenomenal. Seeing industry leaders take notice has been a dream come true and it’s pushing me to keep creating,” she said.
Xantel is determined to maintain the momentum, focusing on consistency and growth as an artist. She revealed that she is currently working on new music that explores fresh sounds and experimental vibes, and fans can expect a new single to drop soon.
“Building momentum requires consistency, so I’ll keep pushing boundaries and working hard to get better and better. I’m focused on being consistent with creating new music, engaging with my fans, and collaborating with other talented artistes.”
She also had words of encouragement for fellow emerging artists, urging them to remain true to themselves and committed to the journey.
“Be authentic, be patient, and keep pushing. Making it in the industry takes time.”
With a debut that has already made waves and a passionate drive to continue growing, Xantel is clearly a rising force in the music scene—one to watch as she carves her path to stardom.