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RAGS TO RICHES: Shihaam Fisher, 31, is on the road to recovery
A Cape Flats singer is going from rags to riches with a little help from her friends and newfound fans.
Earlier this month, Shihaam “Yummy” Fisher, from Bonteheuwel, made her debut in a show with Robin Pieters and Craig Lucas, called Ode to Women, where she sang the classic George Michael hit Careless Whisper.
The two had discovered her while belting out a number in a Parow parking lot where she guarded cars for change.
The single mother of three, who has had no formal training, went from being a homeless druggie to trending on social media and is now trying to rebuild her life.
The 31-year-old says she’s been one month drug-free and Robin helped her set up a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign to buy her a Wendy house.
Shihaam lives with her grandmother and three kids in a one-bedroom home and says things are getting too crowded.
They set a target of R50 000, and in just four days, donations of over R10 000 have already been received.
“My granny and my two sons sleep on a bed in her room and me and my daughter sleep on a mattress on the floor in the lounge,” says Yummy.
“I started a BackaBuddy campaign where I’m hoping to raise R50 000 to put up a Nutech structure in the yard.”
Yummy was excited to see the response from donors: “Wow, I feel like a superstar, everyone is calling my name and wanting to see me succeed in my music career. Seeing people donate so generously is overwhelming.”
Yummy says she is grateful to her ouma for taking care of her and her children.
“My granny raised me and took care of my three kids when I was living on the streets.
“We are raising this money in the hopes that we can build a little home for myself in the back and finally give my ouma her space back and allow her to relax.”
Yummy doesn’t know how much money we raised in 2 days 🙆🏽♂️
Posted by Robin Pieters on Friday, August 21, 2020
She adds: “I got caught up in a lot of negative things when I was younger and found myself in abusive relationships and battled with drug addiction. I want to set an example to my kids and anyone else who finds themselves in difficult situations.”
Robin says the outpouring of love amazed him: “I’m so excited for Yummy, yoh, R10k in four days, this is amazing.
“She thought this wouldn’t happen for her, but this girl is on fire.”
To support Shihaam, check out her social media platforms.