Amapiano queen “ShaSha” whose real name is Charmaine Shamiso Mapimbiro, won the Viewer’s Choice: Best New International Act at the Black Entertainment Television (BET) awards via streamline.

ShaSha was nominated together with some of the finest new voices on the globe who include Rema (Nigeria) Celeste (UK), Young T & Bugsey (UK), Hatik (France) and Stacy (France).

The awards, which are in their 20th year, were held over the weekend through virtual platforms because of the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

They were hosted by comedian and actress Amanda Seales with performances from stars like Alicia Keys, Chloe x Halle, DaBaby, D Smoke, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Jonathan McReynolds, Kane Brown, Lil Wayne, Megan Thee Stallion, Roddy Ricch, SiR, Summer Walker, Usher and Wayne Brady, were held to celebrate the achievements in entertainment and honours music, sports, television, and movies.

ShaSha’s award was presented by bubbly Mzansi’s own Nomzamo Mbatha.

Soon after the announcement, Shasha took to social media to thank her fans and said the award came as a shock.

“What just happened? A BET, thank you my people back at home and all over the world,” she posted.

In her acceptance speech at her home in SA, she said, “I am super excited and I can’t believe that I have just won this award. I want to thank God, my family and people back home, my team in South Africa. Everybody has been super amazing. I love you guys,” she said before blowing a kiss to her fans.

In an interview with The Herald Arts, ShaSha said she called her mum first before anyone else and savoured the moment and victory.

“I called my mother first in thewee hours telling her the good news. This award means a lot to me, I am thinking about it every second. Just being nominated means a lot to me and it has opened more doors for me and that platform itself has given me the exposure. Now that I have won it, everything is changing drastically. I appreciate the love and support I have been given back at home. Zimbabweans played a big role

She said it was going to work harder than before since she was now a BET winner and a lot was expected of her.

“I am going to be releasing an album later this year. It is more work, drive, push and focus. Everything I have been doing has just elevated now. This things only happen once and you have to live for it,” she said.

The “Tender Love” singerzz said she could not wait to fly back home to celebrate with family, fans and friends soon after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown has been eased.

“As soon as all this is done, I will fly back home. It was part of my plans earlier this year, as I was supposed to have a tour in Zimbabwe, but unfortunately the plans were cancelled because of the coronavirus, but I can’t wait to be home,” she said.