It has been a momentous weekend for The Joy with the release of their brand new single “Egoli” on Friday and a performance on the iconic UK music show Later…with Jools Holland; it was for a one-off live recorded special for Jool’s 30th Birthday Bash filmed at London’s Eventim Apollo. They performed their debut single “Isencane Lengane” – watch HERE.
With their roots in traditional Zulu music and modern acapella, their latest offering takes the South African quintet into rich, melodic, and uplifting music terrain. Produced by Tiago Correia Paulo (Bongeziwe Mabandla, Tumi and the Volume), “Egoli” beautifully showcases what happens when The Joy’s signature harmonies are supported by Maskandi-influenced guitarwork and delicate production flourishes. It’s no wonder they have caught the attention of Alicia Keys, Jennifer Hudson and Sam Smith and this weekend appeared oHailing from a small town just outside of Durban in South Africa, The Joy’s members met at high school after entering a singing competition together. Their music quickly spread internationally through their Instagram and TikTok accounts and, before long, they were working producer Two Inch Punch (Kali Uchis, Jessie Ware, Years & Years). Through his label imprint, the quintet released their debut single “Isencane Lengane” in May 2021, with EP Amabutho following in September of that year – both helping set the group on course to become a global phenomenon.
“Egoli” surges with happiness at the hopes and dreams it encapsulates. “Egoli means ‘place of gold’ in Zulu, a name given to Johannesburg because of its gold mining history. The song is about leaving the rural areas to move to the big city for a better life,” says the group. “In South Africa this is a reality we face from a young age, growing up separated from our parents who work in the cities to send money back home. For us the big city represents hopes and dreams and we are on our way to reaching them! ”.
