Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro, known professionally as Sha Sha, is a Zimbabwean-South African singer-songwriter born on July 13, 1994, in Mutare, Zimbabwe. Dubbed the “Queen of Amapiano”, she has captivated audiences across Africa with her soulful vocals and genre-blending style, merging amapiano, afro-soul, and R&B influences. Her collaborations with top South African producers and artists have solidified her status as a leading figure in contemporary African music.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro |
| Date of Birth | July 13, 1994 |
| Place of Birth | Mutare, Zimbabwe |
| Nationality | Zimbabwean (with South African citizenship) |
| Occupations | Singer-songwriter |
| Labels | Blaqboy Music (2018-2022), Black Major (2022-present) |
| Net Worth | N/A |
Early Life and Education
Sha Sha spent her early years in Mutare, Zimbabwe, navigating a fragmented childhood after her parents’ separation, often living with relatives.
Her musical journey began in church choirs, where she honed her voice and later took piano and vocal lessons. Initially aspiring to become a nurse, she abandoned her medical studies in 2014 to pursue music full-time after realizing her passion for singing.
Career
Sha Sha’s career began in 2013 with local performances in Zimbabwe. Her big break came after a Zimbabwean radio station aired her cover songs, catching the attention of mentor Audius Mtawarira.
She relocated to Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2014, performing at weddings and restaurants before meeting DJ Maphorisa through a serendipitous cab ride connection.
Under Blaqboy Music (DJ Maphorisa’s label), she rose to fame with her 2019 debut EP Blossom, which showcased her versatility across amapiano and afro-soul. Collaborations on hits like “Akulaleki” (with Samthing Soweto) and “Tender Love” (with Scorpion Kings) cemented her reputation.
In 2022, she signed with Black Major and released her debut album I’m Alive, featuring fan-favorite tracks like “Ungowami” and “iPiano”.
Personal Life
Sha Sha maintains a private personal life, with no publicly confirmed relationships or details about children. She focuses on her music career and occasionally shares glimpses of her creative process on social media.
Sha Sha Net Worth
Sha Sha’s net worth is undisclosed, though her success in the amapiano scene, endorsements, and streaming revenue suggest a growing financial profile.
Discography
EPs
- Blossom (2019)
Albums
- I’m Alive (2022)
Notable Singles
- “Woza” (2020)
- “Ungowami” ft. DJ Soa Mattrix (2022)
- “iPiano” with Kamo Mphela & Felo Le Tee (2022)
Key Collaborations
- “Akulaleki” (Samthing Soweto, DJ Maphorisa, Kabza De Small)
- “Phakade Lami” (Nomfundo Moh, Ami Faku)
- “Nge Thanda Wena” (Mlindo The Vocalist)
Awards and Nominations
Wins
- 2020 BET Awards: Viewer’s Choice Best New International Act (First Zimbabwean to win)
- 2020 SAMA: Record of the Year (“Akulaleki”)
Nominations
- 2020 SAMA: Best Collaboration (“Love You Tonight”, “Tender Love”)
- 2021 MTV Africa Music Awards: Best Breakthrough Act
Sha Sha continues to shape the sound of modern African music, blending emotive storytelling with amapiano’s vibrant rhythms.
