Sha Sha, born Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro on July 13, 1994, in Mutare, Zimbabwe, is widely recognized as the “Queen of Amapiano”. She earned this title through her influential role in the rise and global spread of the amapiano genre, a South African music style that blends jazz, house, kwaito, and other sounds. Her career began in 2011, and she gained prominence after collaborating with top South African producers such as DJ Maphorisa and Kabza De Small. Notable early features include her vocals on hits like “Akulaleki” by Samthing Soweto and “We Mama” by Scorpion Kings Her debut EP, Blossom (2019), marked her breakout, and she has since released the studio album I’m Alive (2022) and several successful singles, including the recent “Ndawana” (2024)
Sha Sha’s impact on amapiano is significant not just for her vocal talent but also for her role in bringing the genre to wider audiences across Africa and internationally. In 2020, she became the first Zimbabwean artist to win a BET Award, taking home Best New International Act. She embraces the “Queen of Amapiano” title, acknowledging both the responsibility and the recognition it brings, and continues to innovate within the genre.
Her journey from Zimbabwe to the forefront of South Africa’s music scene is seen as inspirational, especially for young women in the industry. Sha Sha’s story is characterized by perseverance, cross-cultural collaboration, and a commitment to evolving her sound while staying true to her amapiano roots.
Dandaro Online Zimbabwe Appreciation
