Shellah: A Rising Star on Zimbabwe’s Music Scene

The journey to recognition in the regional and international music industry is not an easy one, but for Mugove Nevanji, better known as Shellah, it has been a driving force in his career. The talented singer, songwriter, and contemporary dancer is now beginning to reap the rewards of his patience, strategic planning, and dedication, despite facing numerous hurdles along the way.

Shellah burst onto the music scene in 2018 with his four-track EP, I’m Shellah Black, which showcased his versatility in Afro-beat, jiti, and sungura. However, financial constraints soon became a major setback, forcing him to pause his music career after releasing his album Nerudo.

“After releasing Nerudo, I had to shelve my music career as I had exhausted my funds,” he explained. “I earned nothing from my first EP because I failed to market the project, which led me to take a five-year hiatus from music.”

Determined not to let his passion fade, Shellah took a bold step during the COVID-19 pandemic by pursuing a degree in Electrical Engineering. This move was aimed at securing financial stability while still following his musical ambitions.

Growing up in a religious family as a member of the United Methodist Church, Shellah’s musical talent was nurtured in the praise and worship team. “In 2015, I began honing my songwriting skills and started recording in 2016. This is when I met my first producers, Nyasha Timbe and Mr. Noxa,” he recalled.

So far, Shellah has released two music projects, each with different outcomes, but his resilience remains unshaken. His latest single, Urigamba, has made a strong impact, staying on Power FM Zimbabwe’s Top 40 charts for two consecutive weeks.

Looking ahead, the Afro-fusion artist is set to release a third project before the end of the first quarter of this year. His goal remains clear: to spread positive messages, promote love, and eliminate hate through his music.

“My main aim is to spread positive messages to everyone, promote love, and eradicate hate,” he said. “My advice to upcoming artists is to exercise patience and embrace hard work.”

Born and raised in Kambuzuma, Harare, Shellah attended Wadzanai Primary School and Kambuzuma 1 High School. His journey has been one of persistence, and his story serves as an inspiration to emerging and aspiring artists in Zimbabwe.

With a unique sound and an unshakable determination to succeed, Shellah is well on his way to cementing his place in the music industry, both locally and beyond.