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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]

 IN a male-dominated hip-hop sector, Bulawayo-born artiste manager, Star Michy (born Michelle Banda) has emerged as a force to be reckoned with.

 A fighter by nature, Star Michy who manages male rappers, Rockie DoUb and KBrizzy, two rising stars in the hip-hop scene, has defied all odds to become a prominent figure in the world of hip-hop artiste management.

 With her unwavering determination and passion, she has proven that gender is no barrier to success.

 When asked to define herself, Star Michy, who has been managing artistes for over six years, described herself as, “God-fearing, driven, focused, passionate and a fighter.” These qualities have undoubtedly played a crucial role in her journey as an artiste manager.

 Surprisingly, growing up, Star Michy never envisioned herself in this role, let alone as a female manager. Her aspirations were initially focused on the tourism and hospitality industry.

“Never in a million years did I see myself as an artiste manager. I always wanted to work in the tourism and hospitality industry and actually turned down a job opportunity in Dubai, to pursue my passion for music,” she said.

 In fact, her perspective shifted when her brother introduced her to the captivating world of hip-hop music, sparking a love that would shape her future.

 Managing Rockie DoUb and KBrizzy has been both a challenging and rewarding experience for Star Michy.

“The journey has been filled with ups and downs, but through it all, I have discovered a wealth of personal growth and self-reflection, managing these two,” she said.

 Under Star Michy’s wing, the two rappers have thrived in the hip-hop business.

 Star Michy firmly believes that hip-hop in Bulawayo needs marketing, public relations, distribution, financial support and corporate involvement for it to thrive.

 However, she alluded to the absence of a functional hip-hop industry ecosystem in Bulawayo as a significant challenge.

“Being an artiste manager in a city that has no functional industry ecosystem has been a challenge. However, rather than being discouraged, I have used this obstacle as an opportunity to develop my problem-solving skills and foster innovation.”

 Beyond her work as an artiste manager, she has also made significant contributions to the music industry as a board member of the Zimbabwe Musicians Union and an executive member of the Zim Hip Hop Awards. She is also the face behind the newly-established monthly hip-hop event, “ForTheCity” where everything hip-hop is celebrated.

 She said, “Through these varied portfolios of mine, I have learnt the fundamentals of working hard, networking, and most-importantly, consistent self-improvement.”

 While her professional career revolves around managing artistes, she has never tried her hand at music herself, although she did partake in her church choir. Her true passion lies in nurturing talent and helping artistes reach their full potential.

 To aspiring female artiste managers, Star Michy’s message is clear, “Believe in the impossible, stay true to your convictions, and leave your indelible mark on the industry.” – Follow on X — @MbuleloMpofu