Mary Anibal strikes First Class honours at MSU

Langalakhe Mabena [email protected]

Award-winning mbira music sensation Mary Anibal was among the graduates at the Midlands State University (MSU) graduation ceremony on Thursday, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Music Business, Musicology and Technology, graduating with First Class Honours.

The 27th MSU graduation ceremony was held at the Kwekwe Campus, at the E.D. Mnangagwa Law School campus, where the President of Zimbabwe, His Excellency Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, presided over the ceremony in his capacity as Chancellor.

Mary Anibal joins a growing list of creatives who hold a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in Music Business, Musicology and Technology, including Sandra Ndebele, Albert Nyathi, Simba Kasanga Mafaiti and Simz Bridgez Chimanga, among others.

Reflecting on her achievement, Anibal said the journey had not been easy, particularly as she balanced her academic studies with her music career.

“The journey wasn’t easy. Between juggling travel, work and school, there were so many moments I thought about quitting. But God’s grace carried me through, and Philippians 4:13 kept me standing — ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’

“This degree isn’t just mine; it belongs to everyone who held me up along the way. To my parents and siblings, your prayers and unending belief in me mean more than words can say. Thank you for never letting me give up on myself.

“To my lecturers at MSU, thank you for your patience and understanding, especially when my unpredictable touring schedules made things complicated. You saw my passion and gave me grace.

“To my colleagues, thank you for the encouragement and camaraderie. And to my classmates, you guys made this difficult journey feel so much lighter. I couldn’t have asked for a better tribe. This is not the end. This is just the beginning of a new era,” said Anibal.