The Queen of Amapiano revealed that she used to perform for only 5 to 6 people as she struggled to make ends meet and establish herself.

Sha Sha, real name Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro, said that money was a real struggle before she hit the big time. As a result, sometimes she performed for just US$50 (R870) to put food on the table.

During an interview with HYPE, Sha Sha narrated the hard times she faced as she struggled to make her breakthrough.

“Before I was established, some of the challenges were money. You just constantly don’t have money, and you just constantly try to get the next paycheck and try to make sure you get heard; you perform for 5/6 people. It was crazy!

“Trying to get the paper, that was the hardest part ever. And also, just for the music to be heard, that was a struggle. Being patient and waiting for that breakthrough, but it’s just not happening.

“Seven years was quite a long time, worse off with your parents breathing down your neck, asking all sorts of questions and family gatherings with people asking ‘so, what do you do’. Also, having to face that reality when people ask you, but well, nothing is happening.

“I just had to keep on keeping on, keep fighting and getting small jobs, events, and all. That must have been the hardest part, really.”

The Amapiano vocalist revealed that she used to work odd jobs just to make things balance.

“Back in the day, I used to catch taxis when I wanted to go to town. I didn’t have a car or anything. At some point, I remember being a waitress, a receptionist, I remember being paid 50 USD for a show.”

Sha Sha also said that since she got her breakthrough and became a superstar, her lifestyle has not changed that much, as she tries to keep it simple.

“I don’t think I have changed much, honestly. Of course, I don’t catch taxis anymore, but I am not much of a spender. What I enjoy is finding random quiet places and going to coffee shops and things like that.

“I would say those are the new things that I am doing. But I would really say I am an introvert and a homebody, but I have recently just started stepping out and hiking. There’s definitely been a significant change from back then to now.”

Sha Sha also said that her upbringing in Zimbabwe helped make her very versatile and allowed her to learn new languages.

I Used To Perform For 5 People - Sha Sha Recalls Humble Beginnings Before Becoming A Superstar!

“Growing up was very interesting. I went to like 10 different schools, hence I was exposed to the different languages because at some point when I was in South Africa, then I was in Mozambique, Botswana, Mutare, Harare, (Bulawayo).

“So, I was exposed to different vibes, cultures, and people. For me, at the end of the day, it felt like I inherited homes.

“I don’t have just one home, and in every community, there were things that I took and things that I learned and things that I carried, and I still have with me till this day. Growing up, it was hard to keep adapting to these different setups and different places.”

“So, all these lessons, languages and values stick with you. I am grateful for it all. I am grateful for the moves and the 10 schools and everything in between,” she said.

Twenty-six years old Charmaine Mapimbiro, popularly known as Sha Sha is a prolific singer, songwriter and performer who hails from Zimbabwe but relocated to South Africa to continue her career. 

Her genre of music is Amapiano, and she is known for her collaboration with top artists and her hit song “Tender Love”. She has created a unique style for herself in the industry.

Family and Beginning:

Sha Sha is originally from Mutare, a small town in Zimbabwe, but unfortunately for the singer, her parents separated immediately after she was born, and she grew up being taken care of by her grandmother and later moved in with her aunts. 

However, her love for music led her to join the choir at a very young age and began taking piano lessons, which helped in her music composition and formation.

Musical Milestone:

Sha Sha got her major musical break when she got introduced to DJ Maphorisa by her cab driver ans started recording professionally in 2017. Although she started singing at a very early age, she didn’t take it seriously until her friend took her music to one of the biggest radio stations in Zimbabwe. After this, she was able to meet with Audius Mtawarira a popular producer who became her mentor. She has worked with various top rappers in South Africa.

Sha Sha’s Relationships:

Sha Sha is not in any relationship of public knowledge at the time of this writing. Sha Sha likes to keep this part of her life private.

Sha Sha’s Net Worth

Sha Sha’s Net worth has not been fully calculated as at the time of this writing, but the singer is making a lot of money from attending shows and festivals, song streams and video views. In all, the artiste is doing well for herself financially and is one of the top artists in South Africa.

Sha Sha’s songs from her studio project and featured songs are available on all major platforms.

Sha Sha is one of the fast-rising artists, who upon her debut, has been able to make a lasting impression, her songs and collaborations have done well on all streaming sites, and her album is one of the best. The singer is known as one of the most popular voices in the Amapiano music scene at the moment. 

She has created a unique voice for herself in the industry.