Shasha has always been more than a hit-maker—she’s widely viewed as one of the voices that helped shape Amapiano into the sound it is today. While many artists ride the wave, she helped build it, proving the genre could move people in more ways than one.
From the dance-floor anthems that defined her era to the melodic records that followed, her influence is still felt. Tracks such as Tender Love and Love You Tonight, along with Something About You and Mthande, remain part of the Amapiano conversation for a reason: her reign is undeniable.
After being crowned the queen of Amapiano, Shasha made her return to the music scene in 2024 following a two-year break. She used that time to focus on her mental health and personal growth, returning with a fresh perspective and the same stage energy fans love.
Speaking backstage to Drum at the Stella Artois event, she explained that staying connected to her purpose is what keeps her going. For her, music isn’t simply a job—it’s a calling.
“At the end of the day, this is a calling. It’s my calling, and it’s spiritual. I may be here as an artist, but I’m also here to serve. It may sound cliché, but that’s what I’ve learned to understand throughout the years, that I’m here to serve.”
As she stepped back into the spotlight, the crowd didn’t seem to be asking for anything new—she says people still crave the kind of love songs they can dance to, and that hasn’t changed.
In describing her relationship with Amapiano, Shasha framed the genre as a true turning point in her life. She credited it with giving her space to show up as herself and with connecting her to a global movement.
“Thank you, Amapiano! You have allowed me to be myself, express who I am and be a part of a huge movement that has touched so many people all over the world. I remember the first time I went to Afronation, a German woman recognised me, and I never expected that. It was after this that I realised how much impact this genre has.”
Looking back to the start of her journey in 2013, she added that she has sacrificed a great deal to reach where she is today—and believes it has all been worth it.
When asked to name the biggest sacrifice, she pointed to the idea of “the death of self.” She described it as the toughest battle to fight, because it requires challenging the person you used to be and the habits you once relied on.
“It’s really the hardest thing to go head-to-head with yourself, and if we were to get into this one, we’d write a whole book, and we’d be here all day,” she laughed.
She went on to explain that comfort is something everyone seeks, but in a career built on service and showing up, growth demands letting go of the old version of yourself.
“We all want to be comfortable and stay in a certain place, and fortunately, in this career, because we’re here to serve and show up, there has to be that death – the death of your old self and how you used to do things.”
Now that her return is underway, Shasha says she’s keeping the momentum going. With her two singles from this year continuing to circulate, she promises there will be more music before the year ends.
Still, she isn’t giving too much away just yet. “I like to work in silence and let the work do the noise,” she told Drum, choosing not to tease what’s next.
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