Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sha Sha has made her return to the music scene with the much-anticipated single, "Ndawana“.
Focused on growth and renewal, she opened up to IOL about her thrilling comeback, personal evolution, and what the future holds.
After announcing the release date of her new single in early September, "Ndawana" officially dropped this past Friday, receiving positive feedback from fans.
"It feels good to release music; it feels good to see people's reactions to what's out now," she says.
Sha Sha, whose real name is Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro, discusses her return, inspired by her ongoing journey of self-growth. She feels compelled to share this experience with her audience.
"I believe that the time I've had with myself has helped me connect more deeply, to fall in love with who I am, and to bring that into my work," she explains.
The hiatus allowed the amapiano vocalist to mature in all aspects of her life, becoming more intentional about her choices. The break enabled her to reconnect with herself, and this growth is evident in her latest offering, "Ndawana," featuring local singer-songwriter Skyes and Amapiano DJ Kelvin Momo.
This single marks her first collaboration with Kelvin Momo, and she incorporates her native language, Shona, in the opening verse, giving a nod to her roots as she hails from Mutare, Zimbabwe.
The Black Entertainment Television (BET) Award-winning artist was deliberate about showcasing her identity in the production of the track.
"It's part of who I am. I'm Shona from Zimbabwe, and if you listen to the record, I tapped into the Oliver Mtukudzi sound. The ad-libs and the guitar were very intentional, I wanted to bring that part of myself into my work," she says.
Mapimbiro also reveals that the lyrics speak to finding the one and hoping they don't break your heart.
However, on a personal level, it represents the importance of finding oneself first and embracing self-love before seeking it in someone else, letting that love overflow into every aspect of life.
The single is part of a larger body of work set to release next year, with another single and accompanying visuals expected later this year. Fans can look forward to a full album in 2025.
IOL