Yvonne Pamela Sauramba, a multitalented artist from Zimbabwe, has carved out a unique path that blends both her passion for music and her pursuit of a tech-focused education. Now residing in Russia, where she’s studying Mechatronics and Robotics, Yvonne continues to make strides in the performing arts world.

Her love for music and her background in acting have flourished alongside her academic journey, enabling her to thrive in two seemingly different fields. Yvonne shares her impressions of Russian culture, her experiences in both music and technology, and how she continues to inspire herself and others through her artistic endeavors.

Q: Tell us briefly about who Yvonne Pamela Sauramba is and what inspired you to pursue both music and a tech-related education. How do you balance these two different but creative fields?

YS: I am a young Zimbabwean woman, born and raised in Marondera. I did my primary education at Nyameni Primary and attended Marondera High for secondary school, thanks to sponsorship from the Capernaum Trust. I studied Math, Physics, and Chemistry at A-level because of my strong love for mathematics. Growing up with siblings who loved music, I developed a passion for the performing arts and often sang with my brother, Prince Silas. I joined the choir in primary and high school, performed during school events, and even wrote and performed my first two songs in high school, though I hope to record them someday.

After high school, I took a gap year during which I won a contest held by Mrs. Masiiwa and Higherlife Foundation with a song titled “The Zimbabwe I See.” I also collaborated with Benny Divine on the Oskid-produced song “Color of Love” and recorded my first solo track “Now I Am.”

During this time, I also explored scriptwriting and acting, landing my first role in the Angel-Arts Production YouTube drama series Zvirimudzimba and later, the lead in I Belong, written by George J. Jonasi.

Though my passion was in music and the arts, I received an opportunity to study Mechatronics and Robotics under the Presidential Scholarship, which is why I am currently in Russia. Robotics wasn’t my first choice, especially since I had no programming background, but I’m learning as I go. Music remains my outlet and escape, helping me cope with life’s challenges. Besides academics and performing arts, I have a strong passion for volleyball, having played at the provincial level and for a women’s club called Riverside during my gap year.

Q: Can you share more about your experience performing on live stages in Russia, and which performance was the most significant for your musical career?

YS: When I first joined my university, I became part of the music club and performed at various school events and inter-university competitions. I also sang at events like the Afro-Russian Summit’s friendly football match and at the opening of an African book collection. Although I sometimes felt out of place being the only black person in the room, I never experienced racism.

The most significant performance in my career so far was in April 2023 when I sang alongside contestants from 14 other countries at the Kremlin Palace for the Road to Yalta competition. Representing Zimbabwe in this prestigious event, which is acknowledged by the Russian president, was an incredible honor. Winning third place was an unforgettable milestone, as it gave me the chance to meet talented artists from around the world and showcase my skills on a grand stage.

Q: How did your journey as a musician and performer help you regain your confidence in a foreign land like Russia?

YS: Performing in front of crowds back home, whether at church or school, always gave me confidence. However, after moving to Russia, the initial excitement of learning a new language and culture soon faded, and I found myself battling depression due to the “cold atmosphere” here. I even stopped listening to music for a while because it reminded me too much of home.

Participating in the Road to Yalta festival renewed my confidence. It reminded me how much I love being on stage and expressing myself through music. It also reignited my passion for collaboration, leading me to work on a project with a Russian band called NoPowder and an artist from Cameroon, ElisCool, on a song called “Ubuntu,” which is about the African philosophy of community and togetherness.

Q: What are your impressions of Russian culture, and how has living and studying in Russia influenced your music and artistic expression?

YS: I’ve noticed that Russians have a deep appreciation for the performing arts—perhaps even more than I experienced in Zimbabwe. Though their sense of community differs from ours, they are generally kind and straightforward. If they enjoy your work, they really mean it, and that kind of honesty has encouraged me. Living here has also opened my eyes to new career possibilities. I’ve been able to work as a freelance artist, though balancing that with my studies can be difficult. My time in Russia has also made me appreciate African music more, as it reminds me of my unique identity as an African in a foreign land.

Q: Any new music or projects you’d like to share with us? How can people access your work?

YS: This summer, I had the pleasure of collaborating on the Ubuntu project, which I mentioned earlier. I’m also currently working on a new love song, so please keep an eye out for it on my YouTube channel. Thank you for following my story—I hope it inspires others to pursue their passions, even while building their careers. You’ve got this! Start with what you have, and let God take care of the rest. As I always say, “smiles always.”

Yvonne’s story is one of determination, passion, and resilience, showing how she has embraced both the artistic and technological worlds, while staying true to her goals and dreams.