By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
Rimbi Coaches bus inspector based at the Johannesburg Power House Bus Rank is steadily making a name for himself in the music industry, balancing life on the road with a growing Afro-pop career.
Born Michael Chirozva 36, the artist popularly known by his stage name MP Stringindat began his music journey in 2017 while still in Zimbabwe.
In 2019, he relocated to Johannesburg in search of greener pastures after struggling to sustain his career back home.
“I loved music, but life in Zimbabwe was tough. I wasn’t growing the way I wanted, so I had to take a risk and move to Joburg to look for better opportunities,” he said.
Despite the challenges of starting over in a foreign country, MP Stringindat has remained consistent, releasing over 50 songs to date.
One of his notable tracks, “Ndiri Kushanda,” is dedicated to bus conductors, commonly known as mahwindi. The song highlights the hard work of conductors and calls for greater appreciation of their role in public transport.
“That song is for all the conductors. People don’t see how hard they work. I wanted to give them respect and appreciation through music,” he said.
MP Stringindat’s music is available across all major social media and digital platforms, where fans can access it by searching MP Stringindat.
Over the years, he has shared the stage with several prominent Zimbabwean artists, including Holy Ten and the late Soul Jah Love, experiences he describes as key milestones in his career.
“Sharing a stage with artists like Holy Ten and Soul Jah Love showed me that my dream is possible. It motivated me to push harder,” he said.
Like many emerging artists, MP Stringindat faced hurdles, including limited recognition and difficulty securing promoters, especially as an artist in a foreign land.
“It’s not easy to find a promoter, especially when you are known back home but not yet established. Sometimes you feel invisible,” he said.
However, his career has recently gained momentum after partnering with famous promoter such as Rich and Famous, Eddie Manzunzu, the organizer of the Gungano Reggae Festival, alongside Farai Maphosa, who now manages his career.
“Working with people who believe in me has changed everything. Now I feel like my music has direction,” he said.
As his star continues to rise, MP Stringindat has a message for fellow artists facing similar struggles.
“Never give up. Your situation doesn’t define your talent. If you stay consistent, one day people will listen,” he said.
From inspecting buses by day to recording music by night, MP Stringindat’s journey is a powerful reminder that dreams can survive even in the toughest conditions.