JoyRukanza

Awardee

Country

Zimbabwe

JoyRukanza advocates gender equality through music.

Themes
Gender equality
Disciplines
Music
Awards
SEED Award 2025
Supported by
Ing Yoe Tan

Profile

JoyRukanza is a musician based in Zimbabwe. She blends Afro Pop, RnB, and classical influences to redefine African artistry. Born in Bulawayo, JoyRukanza discovered her talent as captain of her secondary school choir. Her work actively addresses gender gaps, economically empowers women, and redefines narratives about Zimbabwe and Africa.

Her debut album "MatterMoreForSis" (2023), celebrates women’s empowerment and earned her Outstanding Female Artist at the Roil Bulawayo Arts Awards and Best Female Music Performance from the ZimAchievers Awards. In 2024, JoyRukanza independently organised Bulawayo’s first orchestral performance, featuring over 30 musicians, fusing classical and Afro-contemporary sounds. A BBC Music cypher participant and performer at Canadian Music Week, JoyRukanza is a bold advocate for Zimbabwean culture. She continues to elevate local music, collaborate globally, and inspire through transformative performances and initiatives like "The Forêt Tropicale Experience".