Qeqeshiwe Mntambo Announces Bold Rebrand Ahead of Debut EP and New Musical Chapter

Award-winning Zimbabwean actress, singer and performer Qeqeshiwe “Qeqe” Mntambo has announced an ambitious new chapter in her artistic career as she prepares to rebrand her music, take her new sound on tour and release her debut EP. The Victoria Falls-based creative has spent years building a reputation across Zimbabwe’s entertainment industry, but she believes the time has come to present a broader and more defined musical identity. Her rebrand represents a personal decision to move forward with greater confidence while exploring sounds that remain connected to her roots. It also reflects her determination to create new opportunities for collaborations and partnerships within Zimbabwe’s creative sector. After years of expressing her desire to reinvent herself musically, Mntambo is now turning that intention into a concrete plan.

For Mntambo, the decision to rebrand has been shaped by both professional challenges and personal growth. She acknowledged that working as a woman in a male-dominated industry has required her to take responsibility for much of her own career development. That experience has not always been easy, and she admitted that there were moments when she questioned herself. However, those difficulties did not stop her from continuing to pursue her ambitions as an independent artist. Her new direction represents a clear statement that she is ready to take her music more seriously and give it the attention and commitment she believes it deserves.

Mntambo is already an established name in Zimbabwe’s arts and entertainment industry, having won the National Arts Merit Awards twice. Her acting career includes appearances in productions such as Stitsha Suku and Soulmate, while her versatility has allowed her to work across acting, singing and performance. Her experience in different creative disciplines has given her a broad understanding of performance and audience engagement. The musical rebrand therefore does not represent a complete departure from her previous career but rather an expansion of the artistic identity she has been developing over time. She is now using that experience to explore a musical direction that gives her greater room for creative expression.

The move is also closely connected to her relocation to Victoria Falls, where she previously performed as an actor in the acclaimed cultural production Simunye: The Spirit of Africa. Mntambo described the resort town as an important influence on her renewed confidence and artistic outlook. The response she has received from audiences in Victoria Falls has encouraged her to step forward and put more of herself into her music. Recognition from local audiences has helped reinforce her belief that there is an audience interested in hearing what she has to offer. The environment has consequently become an important part of the next phase of her career.

Mntambo’s new musical direction is focused on finding a balance between familiarity and experimentation. She wants to explore sounds that feel connected to home while also creating opportunities to work with other artists and creatives. This approach gives her the freedom to develop a sound that reflects her Zimbabwean identity without limiting her to one musical style. Her goal is also to take Zimbabwean music into bigger spaces by building connections and creating opportunities for collaboration. The rebrand is therefore not simply about changing her image but about developing a broader creative platform around her music.

Fans will get an opportunity to experience the new sound live before the official studio release of the debut EP. Mntambo has several shows planned over the coming months where she intends to test the new material directly with audiences. Live performances will allow her to understand how listeners respond to the new direction while giving her space to refine the songs before they are recorded and released. The decision to introduce the music on stage also allows her to maintain the direct connection with audiences that has been important throughout her career. Their response can provide valuable insight as she prepares for the next stage of the project.

The debut EP represents one of the most significant recording milestones of Mntambo’s career. Although she has worked across different areas of entertainment, she said releasing an EP is something she has wanted to accomplish for years. The project has remained an important personal ambition and now feels like the natural next step following her decision to rebrand. A debut EP also gives her an opportunity to establish a stronger musical identity through a collection of songs rather than individual performances. As the project develops, listeners can expect to hear how her experiences, influences and renewed confidence have shaped the music.

Her journey has also been influenced by motherhood, which Mntambo describes as an important source of strength. Being a mother has helped her develop greater focus, discipline and determination while navigating the challenges of working independently in Zimbabwe’s creative sector. Those responsibilities have strengthened her resolve to keep moving forward even when circumstances become difficult. Her experience has also influenced the message behind the rebrand, which she says is connected to women who have been encouraged to remain quiet, wait for opportunities or abandon their ambitions. Through her music and wider creative work, she wants to demonstrate that women can continue pursuing their goals while embracing the different responsibilities and experiences that shape their lives.

The rebrand also comes at a time when Zimbabwe’s creative industry continues to provide opportunities for artists who are willing to explore new approaches. Mntambo’s ability to work across acting, music and live performance gives her an opportunity to reach audiences through multiple platforms. Her move to Victoria Falls has further expanded her connection with a different audience and creative environment. By combining her existing experience with a fresh musical identity, she can position herself for new collaborations and professional relationships. Her emphasis on taking Zimbabwean music to bigger spaces also suggests that the project is intended to reach audiences beyond the immediate circles that have followed her acting career.

Mntambo’s story demonstrates that an artistic career can evolve through different stages without abandoning the experiences that came before. Her work as an actress, her award-winning performances and her time in cultural productions have all contributed to the performer she is today. The decision to focus more strongly on music gives her another avenue through which to communicate her experiences and connect with audiences. Her willingness to acknowledge past doubts while continuing to pursue her ambitions adds a personal dimension to the rebrand. The upcoming live shows and debut EP will provide the first major opportunity for audiences to see how that evolution translates into music.

Qeqeshiwe “Qeqe” Mntambo is entering this new chapter with a clear sense of purpose and a determination to build something that reflects who she has become as an artist. Her move to rebrand, perform the new sound live and release her first EP marks an important step beyond her established work in acting and cultural performance. Victoria Falls has provided a new environment in which she has found renewed confidence, while motherhood and years of working independently have strengthened her discipline and resilience. Her ambition to explore familiar yet fresh sounds while creating wider connections could open new possibilities within Zimbabwe’s music industry. As she prepares to take the new music to audiences, Mntambo is no longer simply talking about the change she wants to make. She is now putting that vision into action.