Sha Sha Biography - Early Life, Age, Nationality, Career Achievements, and Songs

Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro, professionally known as Sha Sha, was born on 13 July 1994 in Mutare, Zimbabwe. She is celebrated as the "Queen of amapiano," a title bestowed upon her for her significant influence in the genre. Her musical journey began in 2011 at the age of 17, and she was discovered by Audius Mtawarira. Sha Sha rose to prominence through her collaborations with renowned South African amapiano producers such as DJ Maphorisa and Kabza de Small.

She signed a record deal with Blaq Boy Music and released her debut EP titled "Blossom" in 2019, which garnered critical acclaim. Sha Sha's talent and impact were further recognized when she won the Best New International Act at the 2020 BET Awards, solidifying her as a rising star on the global music scene.

Early Life

Sha Sha's childhood was marked by frequent moves between her South African mother and Zimbabwean father after their divorce. She discovered her talent for singing at a young age, joining a choir and showcasing her soprano voice by the time she was 12. Born on June 13, 1994, in Mutare, Zimbabwe, Sha Sha didn't initially consider pursuing a music career seriously until one of her songs gained airplay on Zimbabwe's prominent radio stations.

During her teenage years, a friend of Sha Sha's helped her music gain traction on Zimbabwean radio, catching the attention of Audius Mtawarira, a renowned singer-songwriter who later became her mentor. With support from Zimbabwean musician Brian Soko in 2017, she connected with South African artists like Rouge and Priddy Ugly, who featured her on their projects. During this period, Sha Sha also encountered DJ Maphorisa through a cab driver, leading to collaborations on ballads and introductions to future collaborators like Mlindo the Vocalist and Don Laka.

Education

Sha Sha's education was characterized by frequent changes due to her parents' separation and their residence in different countries. She attended a total of nine schools—five primary schools and four high schools—reflecting the movement between her parents' homes. Initially intending to study nursing, her plans changed when one of her home recordings gained recognition and opened doors in the music industry.

Career

Shamiso's career took off when one of her home recordings found its way to Zimbabwe's major radio station, ZiFM, in Harare. Impressed by her talent, the CEO of ZiFM connected her with Audius Mtawarira, a singer-songwriter who became her mentor, guiding her in honing her craft. She began collaborating with artists like CalVin, with whom she achieved her first hit.

Driven by her ambition to take center stage, Shamiso worked on overcoming her inhibitions and attended voice coaching sessions. In South Africa, her driver Blessing, who also drove DJ Maphorisa, learned of her singing talent and introduced her to the DJ in 2017. This led to her signing with DJ Maphorisa's label, BlaqBoy Music, in 2018, marking a turning point in her career.

Known for her exceptional vocals on tracks like "Akulaleki" by Samthing Soweto, "We Mama" by Scorpion Kings, and "Nge Thanda Wena" by Mlindo The Vocalist, Sha Sha released her debut EP titled "Blossom" in 2019, which was widely acclaimed.

Continuing her success, Sha Sha released the single "Woza'' on December 3, 2020, and later signed a management deal with Black Major in June 2022. Her single "Ungowami'' featuring DJ Soa Mattrix was released on July 7, 2022, as the lead single from her debut studio album "I'm Alive," which was released on September 23, 2022, in South Africa.

Sha Sha's talent has garnered international recognition, earning her the 'Best New International Act' at the 2020 BET Awards. She has also been nominated three times for the 'Best Collaboration Award' at the South African Music Awards for her work with DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small on tracks like "Akulaleki," "Love You Tonight," and "Tender Love."

Discography

Studio albums

I'm Alive (2022)

Extended plays

Blossom (2019)