Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
For many, music is more than entertainment; it is a calling. For Sharon Chikuni, known to fans as SimplyShayy, that calling has shaped a journey spanning nearly two decades, from gospel beginnings to becoming a versatile force in Afro-Pop, Dancehall, and 3-Step Amapiano.
Though she now balances artistry with academic accolades, boasting both an Honours and Master’s Degree in Management and Leadership from Midlands State University, SimplyShayy’s heart has always beat to the rhythm of music.
Her story began in primary school, performing gospel music. By the early 2000s, she had already made waves in the industry.
“I started out focusing on gospel music and released an album titled Simba raJesu. The title track gained significant airplay and even earned me an interview with Nonceba Mnkandla on Radio Zimbabwe. It later ranked 11th on the ZBC Top 100 radio chart in 2003,” she told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
SimplyShayy’s early career saw her sharing stages with future stars.
“I performed at Friday Live at Amakhosi and was among the artistes who won the Zimbabwe Music Crossroads competition, representing Bulawayo. In 2004, we performed in Harare alongside Ammara Brown, who later went on to represent Zimbabwe internationally,” she said.
Back then, she was also a regular feature at Bulawayo hotspots.
“I used to perform at places like the Palace Hotel and Manor Hotel. My first producer was GabsFire, who worked at Ingwe Studios at the time. I’ve always been an artiste at heart, composing and performing my own songs,” she added.
After years of being relatively quiet, SimplyShayy has re-emerged with a renewed passion, infusing modern Afro sounds with her rich musical heritage.
derick.khumalo