Sambiri Aims for Greater Visibility in Zimbabwe and Beyond

After an impressive Valentine’s dinner performance at Katikitiki Restaurant in Harare, US-based R&B artiste Sambiri is setting his sights on increasing his presence in Zimbabwe and across the continent. He is pushing for performance slots at major music festivals such as Unplugged, Jacaranda, Zimstock, and Doek & Slay, events that have consistently featured both Zimbabwean and international artists.

At the Katikitiki Valentine’s event, diners were treated to a soulful selection of Sambiri’s songs, including Pandakuwana, Reason to Live, and Good Intentions. He also previewed upcoming tracks like Nzio and more. His ability to captivate the audience with both released and unreleased material underscored his growing impact in the Zimbabwean music scene.

A Homecoming and Creative Renaissance

Sambiri’s current month-long stay in Zimbabwe has primarily been a reunion with his family in Nyanga and friends in Harare. However, he has also been hard at work, shooting six music videos and collaborating with emerging artists on two visuals. His commitment to supporting upcoming musicians aligns with his goal of fostering growth in the local music industry.

Born in Nyanga, Sambiri’s musical roots stem from his time as a praise and worship team member at his father’s church, a tradition inherited from his father’s siblings. His journey in music took off when he moved to the US and, at the age of 14, received his first laptop. This opened the doors to music production, and he began writing, producing, and recording music as a way to navigate social anxiety in a foreign culture.

Dedicated to Excellence in Performance

Sambiri is committed to ensuring his future shows exceed expectations. He attributes his stage presence to meticulous preparation and rigorous rehearsals.

“Preparation is key—I rehearse a lot, including movements, vocal delivery, and even choreography. I push my band to practise intensely so that we’re tight yet spontaneous, allowing the energy of the crowd to shape each performance. Everything is planned, from outfits to stage presence, but there’s always room for improvisation to keep things fresh,” Sambiri said.

Performing his songs live with a full band for the first time was a defining moment for the artist. He described the experience as “unbelievable.”

“Seeing so many people who spent their time and money to come see me, whether as couples or individuals, was incredibly emotional. Hearing them sing along to my songs for the first time was both overwhelming and affirming—I can do this. The energy, the love in the space, the connection between me, the band, and the audience—it all came together in a way that made me feel like this is exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Praise from Katikitiki Restaurant

Katikitiki’s owner, Eleni, spoke highly of Sambiri, emphasizing his humility and professionalism.

“He greeted and spoke to every single person who attended. His live performance was even better than what we expected. A man with serious integrity and professionalism.”

Songwriting as a Reflection of Life

Sambiri’s songwriting process is deeply introspective. He spends a lot of time alone, reflecting on conversations and personal experiences to craft meaningful lyrics.

“My songwriting process is like replaying moments in my mind—whether it’s personal experiences or things people have shared with me. For example, my song Roora came from a conversation with a friend who said, ‘I’m of marriage age, but I don’t have the money to get married.’ That conversation stayed with me, and I turned it into a song. My writing is a way of processing emotions and stories, almost like painting a canvas with music.”

Balancing Artistry and Commercial Realities

Navigating the balance between creative vision and commercial success is a challenge for many independent artists, and Sambiri is no exception. However, being self-funded allows him to maintain creative control over his work.

“It’s difficult, but being self-funded allows me to stay true to my creative vision. I have a regular job, so I don’t have to compromise my music for sponsors or labels. The downside is that I can’t always execute everything I want due to budget limitations, but it has allowed me to grow organically and authentically without external pressure.”

A Call for Support

Sambiri believes that word-of-mouth support is invaluable in his career.

“The best way people can support me is by sharing my music. Share it with your friends, your family, and even strangers. Word of mouth is powerful, and getting my music to more ears is the greatest gift you can give me.”

With a clear vision, dedication, and a rapidly growing fan base, Sambiri is poised to leave a lasting impact on the Zimbabwean music industry and beyond.