For our readers, please tell us about your musical background?
My journey into music began when I joined the Robert Tredgold primary school choir. It was there that I realized I possessed a natural talent for singing. As I progressed to high school, my passion for choral activities deepened, and I eagerly embraced the role of choir captain and lead singer for six remarkable years. The experience allowed me to develop my vocal range, particularly through taking on soloist roles in various choral competitions. During this period, an incredible opportunity came my way when a school friend recommended me for a radio jingle project with one of Bulawayo’s top radio stations. This project was my first professional recording experience, igniting my desire to pursue music more seriously. In the following years, I collaborated with esteemed music producers from South Africa and Zimbabwe, which further expanded my horizons and artistic growth before taking a break to prioritize tertiary studies while nurturing my dreams in the background. Then, 2020 arrived, and the world came to a standstill. During this period of introspection and isolation, I felt a deep longing to reconnect with my musical passion and create music that truly reflected my artistic vision.
Who or what are your musical influences?
My musical journey has been shaped by a diverse range of influences that have played a significant role in shaping my unique artistic style. Drawing inspiration from a broad spectrum of genres and artists, I have found inspiration in acts as varied as Enya, Gregorian Chant, Celtic Woman, Enigma, Nicki Minaj, and Rihanna. By embracing these diverse influences, I aim to create music that transcends genres and resonates with a wide range of listeners.
And what made you want to pursue music as a career?
My ultimate aspiration as an artist is to embark on a world tour, bringing the transformative power of my album “MatterMoreForSis” to the biggest stages imaginable. I believe in the power of live performances to create transformative experiences that resonate long after the final note fades. It is my burning desire to surpass expectations, defying any preconceived limitations that may be associated with my background. I want to also win the highest accolades in the industry and expand my sphere of influence to create a positive impact on a global scale. The purpose behind my music extends beyond personal success. I am also driven by a deep-rooted passion to create music that heals wounds, mends hearts, and unites people from all walks of life.
Tell us about your music catalog to date?
Prior to the release of my album “MatterMoreForSis”, my journey as an artist primarily involved collaborations as a vocalist in dance music projects. I had the privilege of working alongside talented producers in South Africa and Zimbabwe, as well as collaborating with Zimbabwean hip-hop artists. While these experiences were valuable and provided me with opportunities to showcase my vocal abilities, I felt a burning desire to venture into a more personal and creative realm. With a vision to exert complete control over the beat selection, sound, songwriting, and overall song engineering, I embarked on the creation of my own album. This album served as an expression of my artistic identity and allowed me to fully manifest my creative vision In 2021, I began releasing selected songs from my debut album as singles, providing listeners with a taste of what was to come. The culmination of this journey resulted in the full release of “MatterMoreForSis,” which represents a significant milestone in my career.
And tell us about your new album ‘MatterMoreForSis’.
“MatterMoreForSis” is a project that delves into the transformative power of love. Through a captivating love story, the album explores themes of growth, self-discovery, and the intricacies of human relationships. Every track in this album is a result of pouring my heart and soul into meticulous craftsmanship, with the intention of delivering a sonic experience that deeply resonates with listeners. The album’s title, “MatterMoreForSis,” embodies clever wordplay that encapsulates the essence of transformation. It symbolizes the metamorphosis process, reflecting the journey of the protagonist as she evolves from a place of heartbreak to finding love again. The title carries a personal significance as well, serving as a reminder for me to prioritize self-worth and self-care. The word “Sis” represents the sisterhood, emphasizing the importance of women valuing themselves in a world that often imposes societal expectations and sacrifices on them. By telling this love story, “MatterMoreForSis” aims to inspire individuals, particularly women, to recognize their intrinsic value and prioritize their own happiness. It serves as a gentle reminder that we deserve to matter and be cherished in our relationships, without compromising our own well-being. In a way, I am simply saying to all the women, matter more for (yourself) sis.
For viewers that don’t know JoyRukanza, how would you describe your sound?
My musical sound can be described as a fusion of genres, a reflection of my diverse influences and creative exploration. The core of my production is influenced by RnB, Pop, and Neo Soul. However, what truly sets my sound apart is the incorporation of my choral influences. Drawing from my background in choral music, I infuse multiple stacks of vocal tracks into almost all of my songs. This technique pays homage to my choral roots and adds a distinctive element to my sound. Through my multi-genre approach and incorporation of choral influences, I aim to push the boundaries of traditional genre categorizations and create a sound that is truly my own.
What’s the music scene like where you live?
The music scene in Zimbabwe is a vibrant and dynamic landscape that is deeply rooted in traditional music genres such as Mbira, Sungura, dancehall etc. Although Zimbabwe has a strong foundation of indigenous sounds that have shaped its musical identity, it is important to acknowledge that like in many other regions, it has its own set of challenges and limitations when it comes to embracing non-traditional sounds such as RnB and Pop. While there is a growing interest in contemporary music genres, the acceptance and recognition of these genres can vary and as an artist exploring genres like RnB and Pop, I have encountered some obstacles in finding wider acceptance within the Zimbabwean music scene. The preference for traditional and established genres can sometimes make it challenging for non-traditional sounds to gain mainstream traction. I believe however that as the music scene continues to evolve, there will be opportunities to bridge the gap between non-traditional and traditional genres.
And what are some of those activities that you engage yourself in when you aren’t writing or recording in the studio?
When I am not in the studio, I find joy and balance in a variety of activities that enrich my life. One of my passions beyond music is maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. As such, you may catch me at the gym, where I dedicate time to physical fitness and personal growth. In moments of relaxation, I enjoy indulging in some quality screen time. Whether it’s immersing myself in compelling TV series or exploring thought-provoking documentaries, I appreciate the power of storytelling and the inspiration it can bring to my own creative pursuits. I also love cooking and enjoying new recipes. Other than that, I have also developed a keen interest in skincare. Exploring new skincare regimens and products has become a form of self-care for me.
By Danielle Holian