Award-winning Amapiano sensation SHASHA has just released her highly anticipated single, “Ndawana.” This track delivers a powerful message of identity, blending cultures and transcending boundaries. SHASHA hopes that her music resonates with many, spreading joy and happiness across the globe.
Born in Zimbabwe, SHASHA has made a significant impact on the Amapiano scene, cementing her place in the vibrant streets of South Africa. The BET Award-winning artist’s rise to stardom is a story of hard work, determination, and grace. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “I learned that I had to spend countless hours in the studio. We spent about seven years developing me as an artist. Resilience is what I took from the whole experience.”
Her success highlights the importance of collaboration and support. SHASHA acknowledges that her dream might have remained unfulfilled without the encouragement of others. A pivotal moment came when a friend encouraged her to take music more seriously. “A friend of mine saw my potential and told me I could do more than just treat it as a hobby. That changed everything for me,” she recalls. Soon after, she moved to Harare, where she met Audius Mutawarira, who became her mentor. “He told me to make as many bad songs as I could. We spent seven years working on developing me as an artist.”
Having lived in various places, SHASHA has drawn from a broad spectrum of musical influences, ranging from the legendary Oliver Mtukudzi to contemporary artists like Adele and Sia. “Growing up, I listened to different sounds because I lived in places like South Africa, Harare, Bulawayo, and Mutare. This exposure shaped my music,” she explains.
Her primary goal as an artist is to spread happiness and share her emotions with the world, blending cultures and breaking down barriers. Despite the challenges she faced on her journey to Amapiano stardom, SHASHA’s perseverance and key encounters—such as meeting DJ Maphorisa—helped propel her career forward. “I had a supernatural encounter with my Uber driver, ironically named Blessing. He introduced me to DJ Maphorisa, who opened doors for me in the Amapiano genre,” she recalls, expressing deep gratitude for the opportunities that followed.
SHASHA’s connection to Amapiano is deeply rooted in her identity. Her new single, “Ndawana,” marks a shift toward a more mature and soulful sound, reflecting both her personal and artistic growth. “As I evolve as a person, my music has to evolve too. ‘Ndawana’ was intentional—I wanted to share my identity with my audience. The choice of guitar and the sound, as well as collaborating with Kelvin Momo and Sykes, were all deliberate decisions,” she says.
Looking ahead, SHASHA is excited about her upcoming album and future singles. Beyond the music, she is embracing her personal growth and artistic evolution, which are shaping her into a more confident and accomplished musician. She’s also set to headline a show in 2025. “One thing for sure is that I’ll connect with the crowd. I’ll merge both the Zimbabwean and South African worlds and create an unforgettable experience. I’m so excited because I’ll also bring dance to that stage,” she adds.
Through “Ndawana,” SHASHA continues to bridge cultures, inviting listeners on a journey of unity and joy.
