Sha Sha (singer)

Last updated

Sha Sha
Born
Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro

(1994-07-13) 13 July 1994 (age 29)
Mutare, Zimbabwe
NationalityFlag of Zimbabwe.svg  Zimbabwean
CitizenshipZimbabwean • South African
OccupationSinger-songwriter
Years active2017–present
Musical career
Genres Amapiano
Instrument(s)Vocals
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

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

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References

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  2. Sha Sha [@ShaShaOfficial_] (13 July 2016). "It's my birthday yyyeeeyy!!!" (Tweet) via Twitter.
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  9. "How South Africa's Sha Sha is Bringing Amapiano Music into the Future". Billboard . 12 March 2021.
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