Meet Xantel: Healing Through Music with Her New EP USIZO
Listen Ndlovu
Bulawayo-born artist Chantel Gugulethu Sibanda, better known by her stage name Xantel, is stepping into a powerful new chapter of her music journey and she’s bringing healing with her.
Raised in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, Xantel grew up in a home where music was a way of life. Singing and instruments were part of the family culture, so it was only natural that she found herself falling in love with music from a young age. She joined school choirs as early as elementary level and carried that passion right through to tertiary education. Over time, it became clear to her that music wasn’t just something she enjoyed it was something she was called to do.
Xantel’s sound is a smooth blend of Afro-pop, R&B, and Soul, described as emotive, eclectic, and deeply authentic. Her music is shaped by her Zimbabwean roots as well as influences from soul and R&B legends like Lauryn Hill, Beyoncé, and Amanda Black, whose artistry helped mould her vocal style and songwriting approach.
Like many artists, Xantel’s journey hasn’t been all smooth sailing. From performing at school talent shows and church events to experimenting with different sounds, her growth has come with both highs and lows. As a female artist, she has faced challenges such as limited funding, lack of proper production facilities, and minimal industry support. Still, she’s pushed through by staying close to people who genuinely believe in her and by doing what most independent artists know too well hustling to make it work.
Along the way, she’s reached milestones she’s proud of, including collaborating with other talented artists, touring internationally, and hosting her own EP launch event. Each step has played a role in shaping the artist she is today.
Now, Xantel is ready to share a deeply personal project with the world her EP titled USIZO. The name comes from the Ndebele phrase “Lukhona Usizo,” which means “There is help.” True to its title, the EP takes listeners on a journey of healing, starting from the first track and unfolding into a message of restoration, hope, and strength.
Inspired by real-life stories, personal experiences, and a strong desire to see a healed world, USIZO is honest and heartfelt. The EP features four tracks, each one carefully placed to support the overall message. Picking a favourite isn’t easy for Xantel, as she believes every song plays an important role in telling the full story.
Through this project, Xantel hopes to reach people who are struggling those who feel broken, defeated, or weighed down by life. Her message is simple but powerful: there is always hope, there is always help, and giving up is never an option.
USIZO officially drops on 06 March 2026 and will be available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, and other major streaming platforms.
With USIZO, Xantel isn’t just releasing music she’s starting conversations, offering comfort, and reminding people that healing is possible.
