Sasha, whose full name is Sacha Visagie, a rising country music star, has released her first major-label single after signing with Sony Music Canada, marking a significant milestone in her burgeoning career. Before landing the record deal, she had already made notable strides in the country music scene by releasing several EPs, performing at the Canadian Country Music Awards, and collaborating with prominent artists like Jade Eagleson and the Reklaws.

In a recent interview with Angeline Tetteh-Wayoe on The Block, the artist shared her lifelong passion for music and songwriting, recounting her early years growing up in a small town and her journey into country music.

Reflecting on her beginnings in Warkworth, a small village in Central Ontario, Sasha described how music was an integral part of her childhood. “Oh, yeah, the hairbrush and the mirror,” she recalled, laughing about how she used to sing her favorite songs into a hairbrush. “Sitting there at a little vanity, singing and pretending you’re the person.”

When asked about her musical influences, she highlighted the profound impact of Patsy Cline. “Patsy Cline records really made an impression on me. I remember pressing my ear up against the speaker and being mesmerized by her voice and the soul in it,” she said.

Her songwriting journey began at a young age, with poetry evolving into song lyrics. “I was very young, just singing little ditties and making poems and putting melodies to them,” she said.

Growing up with her twin sister and two brothers, music was a family affair, though not quite at the level of the Jackson 5. “My sister and I definitely took a liking to music,” she said, noting that one of her older brothers even played drums in a band occasionally.

Shasha’s passion for country music was deeply influenced by her upbringing in a rural environment. “Growing up in a small town with a lot of agriculture, sleepovers at farms, and growing our own food, it was country living,” she explained. “There was a rodeo across the river at the arena. It was just part of life.”

Transitioning from a small town to Oshawa, a more urban setting, was a significant adjustment. “Moving to Oshawa introduced us to a whole new diverse world and classmates that looked different and like us,” she said. “It was so new and scary, but we got educated and learned about life outside of our small town.”

Despite the challenges, her love for country music remained steadfast. “I had every genre of music influence in my bloodstream, but picking up a guitar and writing what came naturally to me fit into country music,” she said. “It was about sharing my story and staying true to myself.”

As a Black artist in a predominantly white genre, she acknowledges the unique position she holds. “Country music has roots in the African diaspora, and it’s about being true to who you are,” she said. “Everyone goes through a time in their adolescence where they’re figuring out who they are. For me, it was staying true to my love for country music.”

Her story is one of perseverance and passion, highlighting the importance of authenticity and staying true to one’s roots. As she continues to navigate the country music industry, she remains committed to sharing her unique voice and experiences.