Sha Sha (singer)

Last updated

Sha Sha
Sha Sha (2020).png
Born
Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro

(1994-07-13) 13 July 1994 (age 30)
Mutare, Zimbabwe
NationalityFlag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwean
CitizenshipZimbabwean • South African
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Years active2017–present
Musical career
Genres Amapiano
InstrumentVocals
Labels

Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro [1] (born 13 July 1994), [2] professionally known as Sha Sha, is a Zimbabwean-born singer-songwriter from Mutare. [3] Hailed by many as the "Queen of amapiano", [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] her career began in 2011, at the age of 17 and later was discovered by Audius Mtawarira. [9] She gained popularity for her collaborations with South African amapiano producers such as DJ Maphorisa and Kabza de Small. [6]

Contents

Having signed a record deal with Blaq Boy Music, her debut Blossom EP, was released in 2019. She was awarded Best New International Act at the 2020 BET Awards. [10]

Early life and career

1994–2017: Early years and career beginnings

Born in Mutare, Mapimbiro moved around Zimbabwe whilst growing up following her parents' separation, often residing with her grandmother or aunts. Her music journey began after joining the choir, subsequently taking vocal and piano lessons as a child. [11] [1]

Whilst a teenager, one of Mapimbiro's friends helped get one of Zimbabwe's biggest radio stations to play her music. This radio airplay was well-received and caught the attention of singer-songwriter Audius Mtawarira, who eventually became her mentor and helped her with improving her craft. [1] With help from Zimbabwean musician Brian Soko in 2017, the duo were connected with South African musicians such Rouge and Priddy Ugly who featured her on their releases. [11] During this time, Sha Sha also crossed paths with DJ Maphorisa through her cab driver. The two began working on ballads together and, with help from the latter, was able to meet future collaborators Mlindo the Vocalist and Don Laka. [11]

2018–2020: Blossom EP

Sha Sha was signed to DJ Maphorisa's label Blaqboy Music in 2018. [8] After gaining prominence with her vocals on the songs "Akulaleki" [12] by Samthing Soweto, "Nge Thanda Wena" by Mlindo The Vocalist and "We Mama" by Scorpion Kings, Sha Sha released her debut EP, Blossom on November 1, 2019. [13]

On December 3, 2020, Sha Sha released the single "Woza". [14]

2021-present: I'm Alive

Towards the end of the June 2022, she signed a management deal with Black Major. [15] [16]

"Ungowami" featuring DJ Soa Mattrix was released on July 7, 2022, as album's lead single off her debut studio album I'm Alive which was set to be released on 26 August. [17]

The album was released on September 23, 2022, in South Africa. [18]

Discography

Studio albums

Extended plays

Singles

As lead artist

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"Woza"2020
"Light Up" (Killer tunes, Sha Sha, Like Mike)2021
"iPiano" (Sha Sha, Kamo Mphela featuring Felo Le Tee)
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
TitleYearPeak chart positions Certifications Album
ZA
"10K Yey'nkomo" (Aymos, Mas Musiq, Samthing Soweto featuring Sha Sha)2024Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Awards and nominations

AwardYearRecipient(s) and nominee(s)CategoryResultRef.
BET Awards 2020 HerselfBest New International ActWon [20]
South African Music Awards 2020 "Akulaleki" (with Samthing Soweto, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small)Record of the YearNominated [21]
Best Collaboration
Love You Tonight (with MFR Souls, DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small)
"Tender Love" (with DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small)
HerselfRest of Africa Artist
2020 African Entertainment Awards USA 2020HerselfBest Female ArtistNominated [22]
MTV Africa Music Awards 2021Herself Best Breakthrough Act Pending [23]
SA Amapiano Music Awards2021HerselfBest female amapiano artistNominated [24] [25] [26]
Best Amapiano Live Vocal PerformanceNominated
Best Amapinao VocalistNominated
All Africa Music Awards HerselfBest Female Artist in South AfricaNominated [27]
Zimbabwe Music Awards2022HerselfBest DanceNominated [28]
Best International Zimbabwean ArtistNominated
Best Female ArtistNominated

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zahara (South African musician)</span> South African musician (1987–2023)

Bulelwa Mkutukana, known by her stage name Zahara, was a South African singer, songwriter and guitarist. Her music was classified loosely as "Afro-soul", and she sang in Xhosa, her native language, as well as in English.

Samkelo Lelethu Mdolomba, known professionally as Samthing Soweto, is a South African singer and songwriter. Samthing is best known for his vocals on Sun-El Musician's song "Akanamali" and his number 1 single on spotify "Akulaleki".

Themba Sekowe, known professionally as DJ Maphorisa, is a South African DJ, record producer, singer, and songwriter. As a record producer with a blend of house music, amapiano and afropop, he has worked with and has received production credits from several notable artists, including Wizkid, Sizwe Alakine, Kwesta, Uhuru, Drake, Black Coffee, Major Lazer, Runtown, C4 Pedro, TRESOR, Kabza De Small, Era Istrefi, Mpura, Young Stunna and Killer Kau. He was signed to Kalawa Jazmee Records prior to establishing his own record label, BlaqBoy Music.

Gqom, gqom tech, sgubhu, 3-Step or G.Q.O.M) is an African electronic dance music genre and subgenre of house music, that emerged in the early 2010s from Durban, South Africa, pioneered and innovated by music producers Naked Boyz, Rudeboyz, Sbucardo, Griffit Vigo, Nasty Boyz, DJ Lag, Menzi Shabane, Distruction Boyz and Citizen Boy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moonchild Sanelly</span> South African musician and dancer

Sanelisiwe Twisha, known professionally as Moonchild Sanelly is a South African musician and dancer. She is known for her signature blue-coloured hair and her self-created music genre called "Future ghetto funk". Originally from Port Elizabeth, the singer first came into limelight in the Durban poetry and music scene before relocating to Johannesburg, where she has continued her musical career.

South African singer-songwriter Mlindo the Vocalist has released two studio album and five singles, including six as featured.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ami Faku</span> South African singer-songwriter

Amanda Faku is a South African singer, performer and songwriter. Born and raised in the township of eZinyoka, Port Elizabeth, developed musical interest at the age of 6 and participated on church choirs. Faku rose to fame as a contestant on The Voice SA season 2 in 2017, prior getting recognition in the music industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">27th South African Music Awards</span> 27th annual South African music awards, held in 2021

The 27th Annual South African Music Awards were the 27th edition of the South African Music Awards. The award show was broadcast live on SABC 1 on July 31, 2021 and was held virtually due to the effects of COVID-19 lockdowns.

MFR Souls is a South African amapiano music duo founded in 2012 by Tumelo Nedondwe and Tumelo Mabe, both of whom are DJ and music producers from Katlehong in the East Rand of Johannesburg. Their hit single "Love You Tonight" was commercial success certified platinum in South Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Focalistic</span> South African rapper

Lethabo Sebetso, professionally known as Focalistic, is a South African rapper. He rose to prominence after his single "Ke Star", reached number 16 on Billboard Top Triller Global charts. Born and raised in Pretoria, Sebetso was a footballer prior pursuing a music career as a rapper, released his debut studio album Sgubhu Ses Excellent (2020).

Babili Amos Shili, popularly known by his stage name Aymos is a South African singer-songwriter. He is best known for the hit single "Emcimbini" which was produced by Kabza De Small and DJ Maphorisa.

Sandile Fortune Msimango, popularly known by his stage name Young Stunna is a South African singer. He is known for his hit singles "Bopha" and "Adiwele". He has also extensively worked with record producers DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small.

Buhlebevangeli Hlengiwe Manyathi, professionally known as Boohle, is a South African singer and songwriter. She is popularly known for her songs "Yini Na", "Mama", "Siyathandana" and "Hamba wena". Her music is a combination of amapiano, afro-house, afro-soul, and gospel.

Thabo Ngubane, is a South African DJ and record producer professionally known as Mas Musiq. He came to prominence subsequent to the release of his singles "Sengizwile" and "Uzozisola", of which the latter was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry of South Africa (RiSA).

"Abalele" is a South African amapiano song produced by Kabza de Small and DJ Maphorisa, featuring the vocals of Ami Faku. It was released on September 17, 2021, and became a hit in South Africa, topping the Apple Music charts and becoming the country's fourth most-streamed song of 2021 on Spotify.

Kabelo Petrus Motha is a South African DJ and record producer, popularly known as Kabza De Small. He is a major figure in the amapiano genre of house music. Aside from his solo career, Motha is a member of the Scorpion Kings. Motha gained international recognition after the release of "Umshove", in 2018.

Mandisa Radebe professionally known as DBN Gogo, is a South African DJ and music producer. Born in Durban and raised in Pretoria, she gained local attention following release of her debut single "Khuza Gogo", which was certified Platinum in South Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Uncle Waffles</span> Swazi-born musician and DJ

Lungelihle Zwane, known professionally as Uncle Waffles, is a Swazi-born DJ and record producer based in South Africa. She is noted for her work in the amapiano genre and her dance abilities, with Billboard describing her as the "princess of amapiano". Her debut single,"Tanzania", reached number one in South Africa, where it is certified 7x platinum.

Mandla Mashakeni, professionally known as Soa Mattrix is a South African DJ and music producer. Born and raised in Soweto, Mattrix musical interest began at the age of 10 in 2008.

Mellow & Sleazy is a South African duo composed of Phemelo Sefanyetse, and Olebogeng Kwanaite formed in 2020.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Nemasetoni, Dakalo (9 April 2020). "Singer Sha Sha on her rise to fame: "I didn't always know I could sing"". News24 . ISSN   1563-5538 . Retrieved 29 June 2020.
  2. Sha Sha [@ShaShaOfficial_] (13 July 2016). "It's my birthday yyyeeeyy!!!" (Tweet) via Twitter.
  3. Kgobotlo, Boitumelo (6 November 2019). "Sha Sha blossoms with her debut EP". Sunday World . ISSN   1561-123X . Retrieved 4 July 2020. '25-year old'
  4. Ndlovu, Bruce (17 June 2020). "Hail the queen of Amapiano... The rise of Zim's Sha Sha". Sunday News Zimbabwe. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  5. Murimwa, Chengetai (4 July 2020). "Amapiano Queen Sha-Sha says she was suppose to be a nurse". Zimbabwe Voice. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  6. 1 2 Zwane, Nokuthula (29 June 2020). "Amapiano Queen Sha Sha bags first international award". Sunday World . ISSN   1561-123X . Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  7. Tjiya, Emmanuel (30 June 2020). "Sha Sha blown over by prestigious BET award". The Sowetan . ISSN   1016-3697 . Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  8. 1 2 Zeeman, Kyle (29 June 2020). "'Taking 'yano to the world'- Zimbabwean amapiano star Sha Sha wins a BET". TimesLIVE . Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  9. "How South Africa's Sha Sha is Bringing Amapiano Music into the Future". Billboard . 12 March 2021.
  10. Alutho, Mbendeni (29 June 2020). "Sha Sha bags a BET award for best new international act". News24 . Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  11. 1 2 3 Mathebula, Kwanele (15 November 2019). "5 minutes with singer Sha Sha". Bona Magazine. ISSN   0302-7244. Archived from the original on 4 July 2020. Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  12. "Samthing Soweto Akulaleki". iminathi. 3 August 2019. Retrieved 10 November 2019.
  13. "Sha Sha Blossom EP". iminathi. 31 October 2019. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  14. Shumba, Ano (4 December 2020). "Watch Woza by Sha Sha | Music In Africa". Music In Africa.
  15. Shumba, Ano (23 June 2022). "Sha Sha joins SA artist management company Black Major". Music in Africa. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  16. "BET winner and Amapiano chart-topper Sha Sha joins the Black Major family". Black Major. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  17. Major, Michael (7 July 2021). "Sha Sha Shares New Single 'Ungowami' Feat. DJ Soa Mattrix" . Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  18. Shumba, Ano (23 September 2022). "SA: Sha Sha drops I'm Alive album | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  19. "Sha Sha Blossom EP". iminathi. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  20. Yoo, Noah (29 June 2020). "BET Awards 2020: The Full Winners List". Pitchfork . ISSN   2574-2183 . Retrieved 4 July 2020.
  21. "SAMA26 nominations unearth fresh new gems". Mzansi Magic - SAMA26 nominations unearth fresh new gems. 17 July 2020. Retrieved 17 October 2020.
  22. llado, Lucy (22 December 2020). "Africa Entertainment Awards USA 2020: All the winners | Music In Africa".
  23. "Here Are the 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards Nominees". OkayAfrica. 11 December 2020. Retrieved 1 July 2021.
  24. "SA Amapiano Music Awards: Look who's been nominated!". thesouthafrican.com. Retrieved 20 July 2021.
  25. Shumba, Ano (21 July 2021). "SA Amapiano Music Awards 2021: All the nominees". Music In Africa.
  26. Shumba, Ano. "SA Amapiano Music Awards 2021: All the winners | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
  27. Hansen, Gabriel Myers. "All Africa Music Awards 2021: All the nominees | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  28. Shumba, Ano (21 February 2022). "Zimbabwe Music Awards 2022: All the winners | Music In Africa". Music In Africa. Retrieved 27 February 2022.