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Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]

QUEENDOM is royalty, and at the helm of the Amapiano genre’s female pecking order sits 30-year-old vocalist Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro, affectionately known as Sha Sha.

Producing numerous hit songs, Sha Sha has undeniably laid a stone in the foundation of the Amapiano dynasty.

Born and raised in Mutare, Sha Sha grew up singing in a choir and, from a tender age, began taking piano and vocal lessons—preparatory steps towards what would later become a successful music career.

In a virtual interview with Saturday Leisure, Sha Sha shared how her career choice shifted from nursing to music.

“From a young age, I always dreamt of being in the medical field as a nurse, but as I grew older, my love for music grew too, and I channelled all my energy into that. I grew up listening to a lot of Adele, Oliver Mtukudzi, Thomas Mapfumo, and Sia, which influenced my earlier taste in music. I did a lot of alternative and ballads back in the day,” she said.

Sha Sha during the shoot for “Eglasini” (Picture supplied)

Sha Sha started receiving airplay, which caught the attention of singer-songwriter Audius Tonderai Mtawarira. He became her mentor and father figure, helping her refine her craft.

“Even today, we are still in contact, and I continue to learn a lot from him,” she said.

Though Sha Sha spent seven years with Mtawarira trying to penetrate the local market, the endeavour seemed tough and futile because, “I think people were not ready for what I had to offer, and at the time, the Zimdancehall wave was sweeping over the country, so any other genres suffered in the process. I found it hard to find a market for my music. People just weren’t ready for me.”

As a school dropout with only an “O Level” certificate to her name, Sha Sha did some odd jobs, including waitressing, being a receptionist, and being part of a catering team, drawing valuable lessons for the future.

“I remember getting a US$200 gig back at home and celebrating that as my biggest pay. After trying to penetrate the Zimbabwean market to no avail, we decided to try South Africa, where we worked with different producers and artistes, including rapper Priddy Ugly and Rouge.

Sha Sha and Sykes

“Little did I know that the two to three months would turn into years after I befriended Blessing, a cab driver who drove me to gigs and would later introduce me to DJ Maphorisa as he also chauffeured him sometimes,” she recalled.

Impressed with her voice, Maphorisa, Kabza De Small, and Samthing Soweto worked with her on an EP titled Blossom, creating what is considered by many to be some of the best Amapiano songs. Sha Sha eventually became a household name in the Amapiano space. This EP featured hits like Sing It Back, Something About You, and Tender Love.

Sha Sha bagged her first international award in 2020, walking away with the Viewer’s Choice Best New International Act at the 2020 BET Awards, becoming the first Zimbabwean to achieve such a feat. Other notable award nominations included the South African Music Awards (SAMA) in 2020, where she was nominated for “Record of the Year” for Akulaleki (with Samthing Soweto, DJ Maphorisa, and Kabza De Small) and two nominations for Best Collaboration for Love You Tonight (with MFR Souls, DJ Maphorisa, and Kabza De Small) and Tender Love (with DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small).

She also came close to winning the 2020 SAMA Rest of Africa Award for her EP Blossom, a gong won by Nigeria’s Davido. In 2021, she was nominated for Best Breakthrough Act at the MTV Africa Music Awards.

In 2022, Sha Sha joined artiste management company Black Major, joining the likes of Sho Madjozi, Radio Sechaba, and DJ Lag.

Sha Sha might have impressed one half of the Amapiano juggernauts, the Scorpion King’s DJ Maphorisa, the first time she opened her mouth to sing, but that has not led to her resting on her laurels. Even now, she takes vocal lessons to “perfect” her already impeccable vocal delivery.

Once a resident of Barham Green in Bulawayo, Mutare, Soweto, and other places, the Eglasini hit-maker has led a somewhat nomadic life. For Sha Sha, music is not just an occupation; it is a calling, as she has heard numerous stories depicting how her music has been therapeutic for others.

Known for her romantically-themed material, and with Valentine’s Day just days away, Sha Sha is surprisingly single, preferring to love herself and God too.

“I’ve been single for a while now, and I’m single because I don’t believe in just being with someone for the sake of it. I’m a very religious person, and I love God.

“This is probably not popular, but when you let God take charge, you begin to love yourself more and understand that you can’t just be with anyone. It’s crazy, but only He will choose someone for you.

“At the end of the day, after my past relationships, I’ve learnt that not everything is love. I’ve always loved love and consider myself a romantic, but now I take my time when it comes to relationships,” she shared.

It is common for celebrities to make controversial statements or act out of turn, but Sha Sha has managed to stay out of trouble—a discipline she attributes to her upbringing.

“Growing up, I used to be a menace, a hothead who was a party animal, and I used to drink a lot. I remember getting into fights a couple of times. After introspection, I guess all of that taught me to be grounded and not chase after notoriety. I don’t resonate with that person anymore, and that has kept me on the straight and narrow,” she said.

Sometimes reclusive, Sha Sha isolates herself to escape negativity and noise, immersing herself in her music to stay true to her identity.

Moving forward, the singer hinted at carving an entrepreneurial path that will see her in corporate spaces.

Sha Sha promised to release more music this year and also hinted at a giant gig for next year. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu.