Five minutes with… Shazza, the voice from Singapore you spotted in Coldplay’s “Man In The Moon” music video

When Coldplay released their dreamy Man In The Moon music video earlier this year, Singaporeans were quick to spot something special. Beyond the unmistakable skyline and familiar backdrops, the video offered more than just a postcard-perfect view of the city – it spotlighted the vibrant spirit of local talent. Among the creatives featured was 23-year-old singer-songwriter Shazza, making a quiet but powerful statement on a global stage.

For Shazza, whose real name is Shareefa Aminah, the experience was nothing short of surreal. Appearing in a Coldplay video would be a career-defining moment for any young artist – but for a brown, hijab-wearing singer from Singapore who has long championed representation in mainstream music, it carried even deeper significance. It was a continuation of her journey – one that has included a viral duet with Crash Adams, a nod from Chris Martin himself, and her face lighting up Times Square as part of Spotify’s EQUAL campaign.

Despite her rising fame, Shazza remains refreshingly grounded. Her love for songwriting began at just 11 years old, penning lyrics in a notebook and dreaming of a bigger world. Today, she balances her growing international profile with a deep sense of purpose, using her voice to reflect the communities she represents and the stories that often go unheard. “I may not look like other people in the industry,” she said in a previous interview with us, “but why should I let that stop me?”

As Singapore’s music scene finds its footing on the global map, Shazza’s story is more than just one of visibility. It’s also one of intention, resilience, and staying true to the heart of her craft. We caught up with the rising star to talk about her moment in Man In The Moon, behind-the-scenes surprises, and the lessons she’s carrying forward in her career.

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What was the most surreal part of being in Coldplay’s Man In The Moon music video?

Being part of Coldplay’s music video still feels like a dream. I think this was probably the biggest project that I’ve been involved in – and for it to be with one of the biggest bands in the world, that was extremely surreal. The magnitude of it all truly struck me after the video’s release – knowing that millions worldwide would watch this and see Singapore represented in such a meaningful way. Even now, it’s hard to wrap my head around it.

What’s something about filming the MV that fans might not expect?

Oh, I had a huge “pinch me” moment when I got to sing alongside Chris Martin himself during a break while filming on the floating platform. While waiting for the crew to reset, Chris initiated this game where he pulled some of us up onto the stage to lead the rest of the cast in an improvised choral singing – something he mentioned he learned from Jacob Collier. Being pulled up on stage by Chris Martin himself was an unreal experience. These are the kind of genuine, unscripted moments behind the scenes that will be forever etched in my mind.

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about staying relevant in today’s fast-paced music industry?

It may sound cliche, but there truly is only one you. It’s easy to lose sight of who we are while trying to make our passion sustain us, but your art thrives best when it’s rooted in truth. People can hear when your music comes from an authentic place – and I think that’s what they gravitate towards: honesty and vulnerability.

As a young, brown, hijabi artist, what does it mean to be part of a global project like this – and what do you hope others take away from your journey?

From the start, I’ve wanted to uplift voices that don’t often get seen in this space. If someone watches the video and sees a bit of themselves in me, that alone means the world. I hope brown Muslim girls, or anyone who’s ever felt like they don’t quite fit in, know that their spark is valid. The world is their oyster – and if I can chase my dreams and carve my own path, so can they.

You’ve collaborated with Crash Adams and now Coldplay. How has that shaped your approach to your work – and what are some interesting projects in your pipeline that our readers should know about?

These experiences have shown me that the sky really is the limit. I’ve grown so much through these collaborations and I’ve never felt more inspired. I’ll be performing at the Singapore Pavilion in Osaka this May for the 2025 World Expo, which is such an honour.

I’ve also put out two of the singles from this project to a very welcoming response and I am so grateful to be releasing new music again – I love the art I’m making; it’s been extremely cathartic and invigorating and I really hope that people will be able to resonate with it as deeply as I am. It’s some of my most personal work yet and I can’t wait to share it with my audience!