South African vocal group The Joy have announced their new EP, Home, arriving on 13 November. Alongside the announcement, the five-piece have released their new single, “Jessica”.
The eight-track EP brings together recent singles “Precious” and “Omunye” with “Jessica” and five new songs. It also features two a cappella tracks that put the group’s voices and harmonies at the centre.
The Joy Release New Single “Jessica”
On “Jessica”, The Joy return to the rich harmonies that have helped define their sound. Their five voices move together, blending rhythm and feeling with roots in their Zulu musical heritage.
The single offers another glimpse into Home. The title reflects the group’s close bond with their roots, culture and friendship. Even as their music reaches new audiences around the world, these connections remain central to their sound.
As the group often say, “Life made us friends, music made us brothers.”
A New Chapter for The Joy
With Home, The Joy continue to bring their Zulu roots into contemporary Afropop. The EP also brings together a range of producers and songwriters, including Henry Kwapis, Australian producer Kito and Noah Beresin. Ryan James Carr and Sol Was also contribute to the project.
The new release follows a remarkable rise for the KwaZulu-Natal group. Their music has taken them from South Africa to major international stages, including Glastonbury and Coachella. They have also appeared on Later… with Jools Holland and The Jennifer Hudson Show.
Along the way, The Joy have worked with artists such as The Blessed Madonna and Doja Cat. They also featured on three tracks from Doja Cat’s Scarlet 2 CLAUDE.
The Joy Return to the UK This November
Following the release of Home, The Joy will return to the UK for three shows this November.
First, the group will perform at London’s Barbican on 22 November as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival. The show follows their previous sold-out appearance at the venue.
They will then head to Bristol for a show at Strange Brew on 23 November. The run concludes at Band on the Wall in Manchester on 25 November.
Home Tracklist
- Look At Me
- Precious
- Omunye
- Jessica
- Last Chance
- Home
- Ngimthanda Ngempela
- Umendo
The Joy UK Live Dates
- 22 November: Barbican, London, as part of the EFG London Jazz Festival
- 23 November: Strange Brew, Bristol
- 25 November: Band on the Wall, Manchester
Home arrives on 13 November. Listen to “Jessica” and watch the official video now.
