SHAZZA - A self-made star who's defying stereotypes

At only 23, Shareefa Aminah, better known as Shazza, has notched quite a few achievements under her belt, including a video of her singing with Canadian pop duo Crash Adams going viral overnight, and getting a nod from Coldplay frontman Chris Martin at their concert earlier this year. The local singer-songwriter tells us her story.

- Azlinda Said

Shazza appeared on a billboard at the iconic Times Square in New York City last August ( just two days before her birthday) – probably making her the first hijab-wearing Singapore singer to do so. Last year, she was named Berita Harian’s Young Achiever of the Year in November.

These feats are “a dream come true” for Shazza, who has been dabbling in music for 12 years now.

Her passion for music seems only natural, having grown up in an environment filled with an eclectic mix of sounds. Her father – a communications specialist – is a Bollywood fan, while her homemaker mother listens to Adele, Norah Jones and Frank Sinatra. Throw in her brother’s love for Black Eyed Peas, as well as Shazza’s childhood obsession with musical shows like Hi-5, and you have a household constantly filled with merry tunes.

Thankfully, the middle child – and only girl – of three siblings was born with musical talent. Shazza not only plays the piano and guitar, but also sings and writes songs, penning her first lyrics when she was just 11 years old.

“Lyrics have always been my favourite part of music. I like the idea of being able to craft a story and capture emotions. I remember being in primary school, and bringing the little book that I started writing songs in around with me. I just kept looking at it because I was so fascinated by the idea that all this came from me,” she muses.

As an avid reader, Shazza understands the art of storytelling. That is why she draws on her emotions and personal experiences when writing songs, to resonate with the audience.

She says: “My core message has always been that we are all connected in one way or another, that no matter how alone you may feel, there’s always someone out there who feels the same way, and there’s a song out there that will get you through it. And in that moment of listening to that song, all that loneliness disappears, because you feel heard, and seen, and understood.”