By Antony John
When you hear the name Christina Shusho, your mind might immediately leap to soaring gospel melodies and sold-out concerts. But few know that before the bright lights and global stages, she was Mama Muuza Karanga—a humble street vendor selling peanuts. This title, which loosely translates to “The Peanut Seller Woman,” isn’t just a nostalgic label. It’s a bold declaration of origin, grit, and the power of starting small.
“Starting small is not weakness—it’s wisdom. That’s who I am. That’s where I began,” says Shusho with conviction.
A Purpose Behind Every Peanut
Long before her music stirred souls, Shusho walked the streets with a basin of peanuts on her head, not seeking fame, but fulfillment. Her motivation was simple but profound: earn enough to give church offerings without asking for help and provide for her young child.
“I didn’t want to go to church empty-handed. I wanted to give, even if it was just a coin I had earned myself.”
This modest enterprise became her first taste of independence. And as the small profits rolled in, she reinvested—not into luxury, but into other small ventures: selling ubuyu (baobab sweets), kanga fabrics, and eventually, lamba lamba (lollipops). Each item represented a new step, a new risk, and a new lesson.
Growing Beyond the Street Corner
As her hustle evolved, Shusho expanded from hawking on foot to managing young street vendors whom she employed. Her sweets became so popular that she organized bicycle distribution for lamba lamba—a testament to her growing leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
However, it wasn’t all smooth. She had to drop the kanga business due to unpaid debts from buyers. But instead of giving up, she doubled down on what was working—sticking with peanuts, sweets, and her growing passion.
Business as Training for Ministry
The shift from selling peanuts to singing gospel music might seem drastic. But to Shusho, the transition was seamless.
“Business trained me to manage myself, make decisions, and stay committed. No one had to push me. That same discipline is what carried me into music.”
As a musician, she had to source producers, manage recording schedules, and drive her own vision forward—skills she learned not in a boardroom, but in the bustle of Dar es Salaam’s streets.
God Meets You at Work
Shusho is adamant: God works with those already working. “Jesus never chose a disciple who was idle,” she reflects. “They were all doing something—fishing, collecting taxes, practicing medicine. He didn’t start them from zero. He amplified what they already knew.”
Her message is clear: the little you do today might be the foundation of a calling far greater than you can imagine.
Never Be Ashamed to Start Small
With experience comes wisdom. Shusho warns against rushing into large investments without understanding the basics.
“You can’t run a supermarket if you’ve never managed a kiosk. If you start too big, you’ll miss the lessons of growth, adaptation, and resilience.”
She believes in building from the ground up, not for show, but for sustainability. Starting small doesn’t mean staying small—it means learning, adjusting, and rising with purpose.
Why the Story Matters Today
Today, Christina Shusho is more than a singer. She’s a symbol of possibility. Her journey reminds women selling fruits on the roadside, mamalishe preparing meals in the sun, and hawkers calling out on street corners that they, too, are on a worthy path.
“I want them to know they’re not alone. I started there. And from there, God lifted me.”
Her life is not just a testimony—it’s a blueprint for anyone with a dream and the courage to start.
Final Word: The Power of Small Beginnings
In a world obsessed with instant success and big launches, Christina Shusho stands firm in her message:
“Starting small is not a crime. It’s preparation. And with time, consistency, and faith, the small will grow into something magnificent.”
Whether it’s business, ministry, or music—start where you are. Use what you have. And let your story inspire others.