Sarah Kaisi aka Shaa is living on the fast lane

Sarah Kaisi aka Shaa is living on the fast lane thanks to a blossoming music and television hosting career which has seen her amass fans not only in her native Tanzania, but in Kenya as well.

Pulse: Congratulations on being the new Sakata co-host alongside DNG, how did you land it?

Shaa: Thanks. It has been an impressive opportunity so far and I love it. I first heard about the opportunity when the Sakata team came to Tanzania looking for DNG's co-host because they were expanding. Fortunately, I got the chance to represent Tanzania in the show.

P: DNG is very energetic, how did you handle all the hype?

SH: As a celebrity in Tanzania, I was already used to the life, because I have been to very many shows and seen his kind of energy. The only thing I was scared of was matching up to his energy for the show. After a few rehearsals and with guidance from him, I swiftly mastered the art.

P: How did you get into showbiz?

SH: I always loved the spotlight and the celebrity culture so in 2004 when Coca Cola pop stars started their competitions in Tanzania, I gladly took my friends for an audition, little did I know that it would be my breakthrough.

P: What happened?

SH: As my friends were doing their auditions, two guys (Langa and Witness) came over asking if I could help do their background vocals. Seeing an opportunity, I seized it and after a few rehearsals, I was part of the Wakilisha pop stars group. The best part is that we won the competition finals in Tanzania and our music careers kicked off.

P: What did you do as a group?

SH: My partners in the Wakilisha group were quite focused and together we did a lot. Unfortunately, I was quite young and my parents insisted that I get a good education first so I dropped out of the group to pursue my A-levels and by the time I was ready to come back to music, Langa and Witness had already moved on to solo careers.

P: How did you manage your solo career?

SH: Well, it was not all smooth. I was used to being part of a group where we would brainstorm on ideas, but here I was now, solo and with my career to run. Fortunately, I got managers and mentors who understood and helped me steer my brand higher.

P: Define your kind of music?

SH: I am quite diverse. Having been born into a musical family where my brother does reggae and my father was great in the choir; I caught onto different genres and can't quite restrict myself.

P: Redsan is known to be quite specific in his collaborations. How did you get to feature him on your song?

SH: I was also quite apprehensive about the whole project at first but once I got the link up from one of my fellow musicians, we talked, and he said 'yes'. I must say it was quite an honour.

P: You were also part of the second season of Coke Studios...

SH: Yes and it was quite an honour working alongside top celebrities from across Africa. I had seen the first edition on television and was particularly intrigued by Lady Jay-dee's performance. I remember asking my manager if he could get me on the show, but since the first season had already been recorded, we patiently waited for the second season.

P: Your social media pages are always on fire! How do you keep your huge fan base audiences in check?

SH: I think my fans love the fact that they get to interact and learn all about me on a first hand basis on those platforms, and that is why they keep coming back. However, I have assistants who help me manage those pages whenever I am too busy.

P: What about the haters?

SH: One thing I have learnt is the art of not keeping up with the haters or the rumours, because they will always be there. After seeing too much drama, I learnt to ignore the hate and keep glowing in the publicity they bring along.

P: Do you hope to relocate here (Kenya)?

SH: I have thought about it, but Tanzania is where my heart and life is. I always feel homesick whenever I fly out, but perhaps with time I will get used to the idea of having two homes and feel settled in Kenya too.

P: How would you compare Tanzanian men to their Kenyan counterparts?

SH: Tanzanian men are quite the gentlemen with loveable personalities, I think Kenyan men are too aggressive when hitting on ladies.