Shashl Shines at ‘The First Quarter’ Album Launch, Balancing Art, Growth and Quiet Drama
Zimbabwean Afro-fusion star Shashl lit up the 7 Arts Theatre in Harare over the weekend with a dazzling launch of her latest album, The First Quarter. The highly anticipated event was more than a musical showcase—it was a defining moment of transformation, confidence, and creative elevation for the 24-year-old artist.
Dressed in bold, fashion-forward looks and backed by a tight live band, Shashl—born Ashleigh Moyo—delivered an immersive performance that left the crowd in awe. From the moment she stepped on stage, her energy signaled a new era, not just musically, but personally. Gone was the emerging artist of her debut Highway; in her place stood a seasoned performer commanding both her artistry and her audience.
The event, proudly sponsored by Elyon Lubricants, blended glamour and performance artistry with unmistakable undertones of real-life drama. Elyon’s owner, businessman Washington Ushamba, widely rumored to be Shashl’s new boyfriend, was spotted quietly enjoying the show from the crowd. His understated presence drew quiet curiosity, especially considering the presence of another significant figure from her past—ex-boyfriend and music producer DJ Levels.
In a moment many described as cinematic, DJ Levels, real name Tafadzwa Kadzimwe, sat quietly in the upper tiers, watching the performance unfold. The history between the two—once the subject of widespread media coverage following their high-profile breakup in 2022—added a palpable tension to an otherwise celebratory night. But if Shashl was affected, she never let it show. Her focus remained on the music, delivering polished vocals and emotional storytelling with every track.
The album itself reflects a leap in maturity. The First Quarter blends Afro-pop, soul, and dancehall influences, showcasing an evolution in both sound and message. Standout tracks like Softly and Remedy are laced with introspection, raw honesty, and refined production. Lyrically, the project hints at emotional battles, healing, and empowerment—subjects Shashl handles with poetic finesse.
Visually and sonically, the night was a masterclass in production. Lighting design and stage direction elevated her performance, providing an immersive experience that matched the album’s emotional depth. The crowd—made up of music lovers, influencers, and industry veterans—responded with enthusiastic applause, many noting how her live delivery underscored her growth as a performer.
Yet even with a stellar musical performance, post-show conversations inevitably circled back to the emotional weight of the evening. The presence of both her former and current love interests in the same venue, one quietly watching from afar, the other helping sponsor her big night, offered an unscripted subplot. Some saw it as a symbolic marker of Shashl’s evolution—from heartbreak to healing, from industry newcomer to commanding headliner.
But at the center of it all was Shashl: poised, radiant, and fully in control of her narrative. The First Quarter is more than just an album—it’s a statement. A signal that she’s not only refining her sound but reclaiming her story. If this launch is anything to go by, Shashl isn’t just entering a new phase—she’s defining it on her own terms, with music as her truth and the stage as her sanctuary.
