Miss Jojo

thumb|Singer Miss Jojo (born Josiane Uwineza, 1983), also known as Iman Uwineza, is a Rwandan R&B singer and songwriter whose music blends R&B with traditional Rwandan sounds. She became a household name in Rwandan music after breaking through in 2007, and is best known for songs such as "Mbwira," "Inshuti," "Tukabyine," "Siwezi," "Nganirira" and "Beletilida." She has said her mission from the beginning was to make music that inspires girls and women. Born and raised in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, in Bugesera District, Uwineza enjoyed singing and dancing as a child, and her parents encouraged her talent. She launched her career in 2007 after winning the National University of Rwanda Rector's Excellence Award for Best Female Artiste, while completing a bachelor's degree in English. In 2008 she won the Pearl of Africa Music Award for Best Rwandan Female Artiste and released her debut album, Genesis. Her second album, Woman (2012), promotes female empowerment, and she has also used her music to raise awareness of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS among young people. She stepped away from music in 2012, and in 2026 told journalists that the decision was deliberate and one she has never regretted. Quotes "I started out wanting to give a message to girls and women..." On her mission when she began her career. Rwanda: Quitting Music Was a Deliberate Decision--Miss Jojo The New Times via allAfrica (August 7, 2026) "Ahahise hanjye ndahishimira. Numva narakoze icyo nashakaga." ("I am proud of my past. I feel I did what I wanted.") Reflecting on her music career; translation by the editor. Numva narakoze icyo nashakaga – Miss Jojo agaruka ku hahise he mu muziki InyaRwanda (August 12, 2024) I found myself in a profession that I had always looked forward to. I am living my dream to become an international musician. "miss-jojo-wants-to-make-history", Josiane Uwineza (born, 1983), a.k.a Miss JoJo, is a Rwandan singer/songwriter. Born and raised in the Eastern Province of Rwanda, she has participated in various performances, and was exposed to singing and dancing as a child. Miss JoJo rose to fame in 2007, after winning the National University of Rwanda Rector Excellence Award as Best Female Artiste. (03 February 2010) My stay in Europe then, has largely influenced my career because it taught me how to be open to life and people in general.” "aiam-not-scared-of-crowdsa", The New Times ( 15 November 2009) Its not that I’m scared of crowds but it’s something in me that I’ve done since childhood. "aiam-not-scared-of-crowdsa", The New Times ( 15 November 2009) I love positive criticism but I hate people who tell lies about me "miss-jojoas-walk-through-fame", She is best known for her contemporary Rwandan music, but really she is skilled in many different aspects of music. Miss Jojo is currently the most famous female Rwandan musician (19 November 2009) Being a singer, involves marketing yourself, but being a woman, this is very tricky, I try to stick to our values and remain proud of myself as a Rwandan woman "miss-jojoas-walk-through-fame", She is best known for her contemporary Rwandan music, but really she is skilled in many different aspects of music. Miss Jojo is currently the most famous female Rwandan musician (19 November 2009) Most of my fans are children under 15, I am a role model to them, I have to be careful about the things I do— I am young, I feel the vibes of modernity but I pay more attention to them (children) because I am an example and I am not only living my life but a life of a generation, I do not want to mislead people, so I try to keep myself clear, "miss-jojoas-walk-through-fame", She is best known for her contemporary Rwandan music, but really she is skilled in many different aspects of music. Miss Jojo is currently the most famous female Rwandan musician (19 November 2009) If they can listen to our songs, that means they can listen to these messages of hope and change their lives, "miss-jojoas-walk-through-fame", She is best known for her contemporary Rwandan music, but really she is skilled in many different aspects of music. Miss Jojo is currently the most famous female Rwandan musician (19 November 2009) “I want to be like Chaka Chaka, one day I want to be the ‘Queen of Africa, representing Rwanda to the world as I sing songs full of rich messages, no matter how long it will takes I will work towards that," "miss-jojoas-walk-through-fame", She is best known for her contemporary Rwandan music, but really she is skilled in many different aspects of music. Miss Jojo is currently the most famous female Rwandan musician (19 November 2009) Music is a business, sometimes if the deal is not worth price, you have to pull out. Miss Jojo. Newtimes.co.rw (7December 2022) I didn’t trust the whole process in the deal, that’s why I turned it down. Miss Jojo said Newtimes (December 7 2022) “I still wonder why people do bad to each other. My prayer and wish is that Rwanda continues to grow and become the best mother land it can be" https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/3780/Leisure/"jojoas-life-in-music-industry"], She is a celebrity no wonder she plays hard to get for an appointment. Why did she lie to me and switch off the phone at the last moment? She should have told me because I also had other things to do. She even lies on the very first date? (24 December 2017) I feel happy that I can express my self and best of all I can pass on a message. I fear that God may ask me why I never used my talent like in the parable of the three servants in the bible, https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/3780/Leisure/"jojoas-life-in-music-industry"], She is a celebrity no wonder she plays hard to get for an appointment. Why did she lie to me and switch off the phone at the last moment? She should have told me because I also had other things to do. She even lies on the very first date? (24 December 2017) My musical approach adapts the necessary ability needed to memorize what I hear and analyze various contexts that comprise the interpretive process. With all this in mind, nothing was ever going to stop me from singing. https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/3780/Leisure/"jojoas-life-in-music-industry"], She is a celebrity no wonder she plays hard to get for an appointment. Why did she lie to me and switch off the phone at the last moment? She should have told me because I also had other things to do. She even lies on the very first date? (24 December 2017) All the songs are my personal experiences and journey through life. I hope to touch everyone with this album and I pray the people find it worthwhile [miss-jojo-to-launch-debut-album", To prove her music prowess, Josiane Uwineza aka Miss Jojo is set to launch her debut solo album. (11 November 2008) Music is my passion, my dream. In fact, I am living my dream! I have been unable to stop it’, "miss-jojo-blazing-the-music-trail", Her poise and grace in the music industry has earned her celebrity reputation. This is Josiane Uwineza aka Miss JoJo, has chosen to blaze. Her focus is undeterred, her mission is clear – sky is the limit for this budding musical beauty. This intelligent young lady speaks eloquently about her biography, music and dance, her potential and vision. (22 April 2009) I found myself in a profession that I had always looked forward to. I am living my dream to become an international musician. "miss-jojo-blazing-the-music-trail", Her poise and grace in the music industry has earned her celebrity reputation. This is Josiane Uwineza aka Miss JoJo, has chosen to blaze. Her focus is undeterred, her mission is clear – sky is the limit for this budding musical beauty. This intelligent young lady speaks eloquently about her biography, music and dance, her potential and vision. (22 April 2009) Everyone was telling me not to do it. They said the society viewed girls who sung as loose and reckless…I had a story to tell, I loved music and I over came these challenges at the end of the day, "miss-jojoas-walk-through-fame", She is best known for her contemporary Rwandan music, but really she is skilled in many different aspects of music. Miss Jojo is currently the most famous female Rwandan musician (19 November 2009) When I performed, Rwandans loved me, they kept shouting, ‘we want to see Miss Jojo, we want to see Miss Jojo and this was my beginning which was very successful and hopeful. "miss-jojoas-walk-through-fame", She is best known for her contemporary Rwandan music, but really she is skilled in many different aspects of music. Miss Jojo is currently the most famous female Rwandan musician (19 November 2009) "...and if Rwandans, can feel me like this, I knew that there was nothing else I could do but to sing words that could change their lives.” "miss-jojoas-walk-through-fame", She is best known for her contemporary Rwandan music, but really she is skilled in many different aspects of music. Miss Jojo is currently the most famous female Rwandan musician (19 November 2009) “I am happy to provide a gift that makes people happy" "miss-jojoas-walk-through-fame", She is best known for her contemporary Rwandan music, but really she is skilled in many different aspects of music. Miss Jojo is currently the most famous female Rwandan musician (19 November 2009) If fans still remember me, it’s a gift for me and it’s something that is very valuable and I have to pay much attention to. "miss-jojoas-walk-through-fame", She is best known for her contemporary Rwandan music, but really she is skilled in many different aspects of music. Miss Jojo is currently the most famous female Rwandan musician (19 November 2009) “I didn’t change the religion because of my fiancé. It was my belief, and I’ve always admired to be a Moslem" "Leisure/miss-jojo-joins-islam", The New Times (09 February 2010) Also stated that being a Muslim has never prevented her from pursuing her music career. she pointed out that same of her most popular songs, including siwezi, were recorded and performed while she was already a Muslim. she is now focusing on igikari holiday camp project,which aims to mentor and support young girls by helping them navigate the challenges they face in life. https://m.isimbi.rw/ukuri-ku-kuba-miss-jojo-yareretse-umuziki-kubera-umugabo-akanatuma-ahindura.html#:~:text=Umuhanzikazi%20Nyinawajambo%20Josephine%2C%20wamamaye%20nka,ibyo%20bintu%20byombi.l%20bidakwiye%20guhuzwa. We should work hard to maintain our values. Confidence is from Within: Miss JOJO. NewTimes Rwanda (September 27,2026) As a woman, I feel we should derive our confidence from within and aim for greater heights without letting people trump on us. Confidence is from Within: Miss JOJO. NewTimes Rwanda (September 27,2026) It was a brand new venture that freaked me out because in Rwanda’s society, a woman standing in front of people trying to do what they expect to be a man’s job, is scary. I had to overcome my fears and take on the challenge. Confidence is from Within: Miss JOJO. NewTimes Rwanda (September 27,2026) I decided that I would perfect whatever career I pursued. Confidence is from Within: Miss JOJO. NewTimes Rwanda (September 27,2026) I dream that more Rwandan girls would be ambitious to join the Music industry. Confidence is from Within: Miss JOJO. NewTimes Rwanda (September 27,2026) When you give the best product, society values it. Confidence is from Within: Miss JOJO. NewTimes Rwanda (September 27,2026) A girl needs someone who talks to her in a language she understands. Numva narakoze icyo nashakaga – Miss Jojo agaruka ku hahise he mu muziki. Inyarwanda (September 27,2026) The future of a girl requires choices and values that she should hold onto. Miss Jojo yakebuye abahanzi b’abakobwa. Imvahonshya (September 27,2026) External links Category:R&B singers Category:Living people Category:Women from Rwanda Category:1982 births Category:Women born in the 1980s