South African vocal group the Joy releases new EP after global success

The vocal group The Joy performed on the Coachella stage in the United States after traveling from South Africa to collaborate with artist Doja Cat.

The five members of the group, who began as a school choir in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, perform a style of Zulu a cappella music known as isicathamiya and mbube. They have expanded their reach from local performances to international stages, including the Hammersmith Apollo in London and appearances on American television.

The group members describe their experience at major festivals like Coachella and Glastonbury as a matter of maintaining their character and focus amidst high-volume environments. Despite their international recognition and collaborations with artists such as Alicia Keys and Sam Smith, the members state they have maintained their original sound by refusing to reduce their Zulu lyrics or church influences. They use a collaborative process where they sit on ideas until they can create a collective chorus.

The group released their new EP, Home, on 13 November after three years of recording and selection. The project features eight tracks totaling 24 minutes and focuses on themes of love and family. Following the release, the group scheduled a series of performances in the United Kingdom, including dates in London, Bristol, and Manchester, before planning to return to South Africa for future shows.