Kat Harlton
Photos provided via PR team
Kitchener-based gospel, pop and R&B singer-songwriter Tuzee was recently nominated for a JUNO Award for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year for her debut album Alive.
Alive is an 11-track collection of deeply personal and emotionally resonant songs that reflect Tuzee’s journey, struggles, and triumphs. It serves as a testament to her resilience and unwavering faith with profound expressions of praise towards God.
The album includes Tuzee’s single, “Change is on the Way,” which hit #1 on the Canadian Christian radio charts last year, striking a chord with audiences across the globe.
Born and raised in Liberia, West Africa, Tuzee is now a proud Canadian living in Ontario. Her passion for music ignited early in life. She frequently sang alongside her family in churches, with local bands and whenever the opportunity arose. Throughout difficult times, music served as her oasis, offering solace and inspiration.
In 2023, Tuzee was named the GMA Canada / Covenant Awards Female Vocalist of the Year, where she was also nominated for Album of the Year, Pop Song of the Year and Breakthrough Artist of the Year. She also had the privilege of performing at the GMA Canada Covenant Awards and previously headlined the Christian Music Festival in Toronto.
I had the opportunity to chat with Tuzee about her 2024 Juno Award Nomination, finding inspiration, and what’s next.
Kat: Can you share with us a bit about yourself and your music journey so far?
Tuzee: My name is Tuzee, I am a Canadian Gospel singer-songwriter, born and raised in Liberia, West Africa. I also work as a full time nurse, I am a mom, encourager and believer of Christ and currently reside in Ontario, Canada. Music is my happy place. I love singing and to do something I truly love is a real blessing. When I moved to Canada music became my go-to, it gave me a voice when I had no words. I began songwriting while commuting to work on the 401. Eventually, with a lot of prayers, I was able talk myself out of the good old ‘not good enough’ and release my first song, Shine… then my debut album, Alive, which is currently being played across Canada, my song ‘Change is on the way’ became #1 on the charts in Canada, I was awarded GMA Canada Female Vocalist of the Year and now nominated for the Junos! I am so grateful for God’s faithfulness on this journey, though there’s been challenges and roadblocks at times, He continues to do the impossible. My prayer is to continue to create music that’s inspiring, uplifting, and empowering….and hopes my music will be more than just a song but a lifestyle.
Kat: You were recently nominated for a JUNO Award for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year for your album Alive. How does it feel to be nominated for this award?
Tuzee: Oh, my goodness!! Words cannot really describe the feeling ☺. It’s like WOW…just so amazing! I feel so honoured and blessed especially to have my debut album, Alive nominated for the Junos!! I am so in awe and just beyond grateful. I thank the Junos for the opportunity. Truly ‘There Must be a God’!
Kat: Can you talk about the inspiration behind “Alive” and what you hope listeners take away from it?
Tuzee: Alive was inspired to give hope especially during the pandemic when all hope seemed lost. Alive is a reminder that Christ has set us free, and we are no longer slaves to sin, because of Christ we can have hope no matter what. My prayer is that anyone listening to Alive will be inspired, awaken in spirit, and experience a rebirth of hope and life.
Kat: What has been a career highlight for you so far?
Tuzee: Being nominated for the Junos is absolutely a huge career highlight, but also every milestone is overcome, from writing my first song, deciding to record it, to releasing Alive. Becoming GMA Canada ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’, my song becoming #1 on the charts, selling my first CD, my first concert, etc.
Kat: What have you learned along the way? What you would like to share with other aspiring artists and creators?
Tuzee: I have learned so much and continue to learn every day but one thing I would say to any artist or creator is, it’s not going to be easy but it’s so worth it. Remember to quiet the noise and trust God to finish what He started.
Kat: What else can we expect from you for the balance of 2024?
Tuzee: 2024 is going to be a great year! There’s so much to expect and be excited for including new music, more live performances, more collaboration etc.
Connect With Tuzee
Instagram: @tuzeemusic
Facebook: /tuzeemusic
Website: www.2-zee.com/