Sandra Mashiringo, who sings under the stage name Queen Mashie, is one of the newest artist in the Kenyan music scene. Born in Gutu, Zimbabwe, she started singing early in Class 4 as a member of her school choir but her progression was interrupted when she joined a high school that had no music teacher. Instead, she joined her local Catholic choir where she excelled and represented in music competitions.

After high school Sandra moved to the city of Harare to join her elder brother, Andy Brown, who was already an accomplished musician. It was him who convinced her to ditch computer studies for a career in music because he recognized her talent from hearing her singing around the house.

Sandra joined her brother in practice sessions and eventually got a role as a back-up vocalist for his band. For 5 years, she got the chance to tour and perform in several countries, singing alongside legendary artists like Oliver Mtukudzi. And in 2005, Queen Mashie was born when she decided to go solo and recorded her first album with Vintage Band at her brother’s studio.

Soon after she left for Nairobi and performed with several bands in Nairobi hotels. It was in Nairobi that Queen Mashie met Juma Tutu, who asked her to join his already established Tutu Band. It was during her stint with Tutu Band that she composed most of the songs for her album, Kare Kare (which means long time ago – it actually sounds like Kale Kale which means the same in Kiswahili).

Kare Kare comprises of her original Afro-Fusion compositions with a distinctly Zimbabwean (Chimurenga) feel fused with East African Benga that defines her musical, linguistic and cultural journey. In a time when Zimbabwe is coming out of its most depressed period, Queen Mashie’s music is a trail blazing and uplifting breath of fresh air in the tradition set by her internationally acclaimed predecessors and compatriots Thomas Mapfumo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Andy Brown and Chiwoniso.