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Langalakhe Mabena
Zimbabwean multi-award-winning musician — based in the United States of America, Joy Rukanza has accomplished a lot on both the local and international music scene, something that solidifies the purity and the prowess of her talent.
The Pumula-bred musician has made headlines in the past years on the international scene. In 2022, she performed at the Maida Vale Studios, after receiving an invite from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).
Joy Rukanza joined elite artistes from the 21st century including Beyonce, Rihanna, John Legend, Sam Smith and the late Amy Winehouse, to mention a few, who have performed at the historical Maida Vale Studios.
Recently, she was announced as one of the artistes who will perform at this year’s Canada Music Week set to be held at the Westin Harbour in Toronto from 1 to 8 June. Canada Music Week is the nation’s premier annual event dedicated to the entertainment industry, aimed at championing Canadian music, supporting local talent and cultivating a deeper appreciation for contemporary music among young Canadians. Her career seem to be on the right path and as it is Women’s month, her success has to be celebrated. B-Metro caught up with the song bird and compiled this profile.
Q: As a female from Zimbabwe, how has it been penetrating the world music market?
A: Breaking into the world music market has been a journey marked by a number of challenges. One of the most daunting hurdles is the pervasive expectation of conforming to a certain image deemed “marketable” for female artistes.
This stereotype often overshadows the essence of my music and can hinder my access to certain platforms and opportunities. The pressure to fit into this predetermined mould not only creates barriers to entry but also perpetuates unfair standards within the industry.
It’s disheartening to witness how the criteria for success are often skewed against women, requiring us to navigate a different set of obstacles compared to our male counterparts.
Despite these setbacks, my primary focus remains on sharing my authentic artistry with the world. I believe that talent and creativity should transcend gender stereotypes and market trends and I am committed to staying true to myself and my craft.
Q: Music is largely dominated by men. As a woman, what challenges do you face in maintaining your cool and status in the industry?
A: One of the challenges I have faced is that I’ve often found myself yearning for the opportunity to collaborate with female producers, mixing engineers and mastering engineers.
The lack of gender diversity in these fields not only limits the perspectives and voices shaping the music we hear but also perpetuates a cycle of inequality within the industry. It’s disheartening to see the lack of representation in key roles that significantly influence the final product.
This is why I am always seeking out opportunities to work with female professionals and I hope to not only diversify my creative network but also contribute to breaking down barriers and creating more inclusive spaces within the industry.
Q: What’s the secret behind your success so far?
A: The “secret” is rooted in a combination of dedication, authenticity, and a constant pursuit of growth. I believe in staying true to myself and my passions and that alone ensures that I consistently produce work that resonates with me on a personal level.
This authenticity has helped me foster genuine connections with my audience. Additionally, I like to think of myself as a student of the world. I approach each day as an opportunity to learn and evolve, embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and continuously seek out new skills to enrich my knowledge.
I love understanding what is happening so I can stay attuned to our ever-changing world. By remaining adaptable and open-minded, I’ve been able to navigate obstacles and seize opportunities with confidence.
Online Reporter