Since her 2021 debut, Zimbabwean singer-songwriter JoyRukanza has been working to better her craft and find more of her voice. With artistry on full display like never before, her latest album, MatterMoreForSis is an example of her tremendous growth.
MatterMoreForSis, a play on the word metamorphosis, is a celebration of diversity, womanhood and love. In her mission to tell this magical tale, she brings some friends on board too. “Qu We She” features South African singer Azana ,and South African rapper Kid X lends his talents to “New Day”.
Opening with “Survive the Night”, a big ballad that addresses unrequited love, the eleven track offering tells many stories, following a sequence that ultimately ends with the singer regaining her power after some turbulent experiences. “Queendom” serves the transitional song on the project, as the woman empowerment anthem shifts the narrative from her contemplating failed relationships to standing on her own.
The latter half of the album sees the now fully formed butterfly spreading her wings to find new love. Closer, “Somebody”, a mashup of dancehall and an Afrocentric sound, sees her meeting someone new and putting herself out there. This serves as the end of the metaphorical journey where she does, indeed “matter more” and can move towards better.
JoyRukanza achieves something spectacular with her MatterForMoreSis. She’s pulled off a concept album that is concise, relatable and predominantly palatable.
Feature pic supplied by artist
