The Joy expand their run of international collaborations with a new version of Johnny Flynn’s “The Ghost of O’Donahue”.
Released as part of Flynn and his sister Lillie Flynn’s upcoming album Beam Cottage, the new version features The Joy’s voices alongside Flynn’s original recording. The group add a choral Zulu hymn in the background, bringing a distinct South African layer to the track.
The collaboration also carries a personal connection for the Flynn siblings. Their mother is from South Africa, and the siblings grew up with a strong connection to the country and its culture.
“To have these incredible voices singing in Zulu and weaving with ours felt like a conversation with a culture we knew and loved from childhood,” the siblings say.
The track forms part of Beam Cottage, a 14-track collaborative album from Johnny and Lillie Flynn. Produced by Charlie Andrew, the album brings together new material, covers and reworkings of songs from Johnny Flynn’s catalogue.
“The Ghost of O’Donahue” was originally written by Flynn while travelling through Ireland. The song reflects on his family’s journey from Ireland and the memories connected to his heritage.
The Joy’s contribution adds another dimension to that story. Their choral vocals create a meeting point between Flynn’s folk songwriting and the group’s deep roots in Zulu musical traditions.
The collaboration follows a growing list of international work from The Joy. Their distinct harmonies have taken them beyond the world of a cappella and into contemporary global music. They have previously collaborated with artists including Doja Cat and The Blessed Madonna.
Beam Cottage will be released on 6 November via Transgressive Records. “The Ghost of O’Donahue” featuring The Joy is available now.
