In the first part of our feature on Joanita, we explored her inspiring work as a trailblazer in African tech and youth leadership. Today, we step into a more intimate space—the world of music, where Joanita’s voice carries both melody and meaning. With the recent release of her debut EP Love Hustle, she’s not just making music—she’s making a statement.
A Voice That’s Always Been There
Joanita’s musical journey didn’t start in a studio. It began long before that—“I’ve been singing my whole life,” she says, with the quiet certainty of someone who’s always known her path. But it wasn’t until about 10 to 15 years ago that she knew music would become more than just a passion—it would be a pillar of her purpose.
“There wasn’t one defining moment,” she reflects, “but a defining time—when I discovered the power of the internet, and with it, the many ways to express my passion and grow my talent.”
That time of discovery and growth eventually gave birth to Love Hustle—a soulful, reflective EP centered on love and the modern-day realities of dating, relationships, and vulnerability.
“I didn’t start out with a title,” Joanita explains, “but as the songs came together, this phrase—Love Hustle—kept coming to me. It represents the ups and downs, the lessons and laughter, the heartbreak and healing we go through in love today.”
The Courage to Be Both Artist and Leader
Music hasn’t just shaped Joanita’s creative voice; it’s shaped her leadership style. As a mentor in the Together for a New Africa program, she sees clear parallels between the two paths.
“To choose music in today’s Africa takes courage,” she says. “You have to define your journey. You have to understand your uniqueness—and lean into it, not away from it.”
This intentionality—of choosing who you are, what you represent, and how you lead—is a philosophy Joanita applies both on stage and in boardrooms. Whether she’s working with youth leaders or recording a track, the principle remains the same: lead with self-awareness, work with what you have, and build from there.
Breaking Barriers, Amplifying Voices
When asked about the challenges women face in Africa’s music industry, Joanita doesn’t hold back.
“There’s a perception,” she says. “An assumption that women in music aren’t respectable. That they’re somehow not serious, or not to be taken seriously.”
This stereotype, she admits, was one of the reasons it took her time to step into the industry. “There’s also the issue of male dominance—some men try to take advantage, or there’s just a lack of professional support for women, especially those balancing family life.”
But Joanita is hopeful. “It’s changing—slowly, but it is. More women with strong values are entering the scene. And we need systems, too—professional structures that protect and uplift.”
Her dream? “To see women taking on roles traditionally reserved for men—producers, instrumentalists, engineers. Not just singers. I want to be part of that change by educating myself, mastering my craft, and eventually teaching others.”
Music as a Mirror, Music as a Movement
For Joanita, music is more than entertainment—it’s a vessel for social change.
“Music reminds us of our shared humanity,” she says. “Whether it’s about love or social justice, hearing a song that resonates can make people feel seen. And that connection—that reminder that we’re not so different—it’s powerful.”
She believes artists can play a critical role in advocacy, especially when supported by organizations that offer grants or platforms to address issues like gender-based violence, youth empowerment, or inequality.
“Music can amplify these messages,” she says. “It can reach people who might never attend a seminar or read a policy document. But they’ll hear a song—and maybe, that’s where the change begins.”
Looking Ahead: A Dream for the Next Generation
As our conversation draws to a close, Joanita shares her long-term vision: “I want to help build a future where more African women not only sing but lead in music. Where they compose, produce, and innovate. And I want to be a part of shaping that future—not just by example, but by actively empowering others.”
Whether it’s through mentoring, performing, or one day teaching music herself, Joanita is laying down a path for others to follow—on their own terms, in their own voices.
