In less than three years, South Africa’s The Joy has become known for its ability to spread instant euphoria with a unique sound that has the ability to transcend genre and continents alike.

Growing up in a part of South Africa, where the Zulu tradition of a cappella singing is central to the cultural identity of its people and Ladysmith Black Mambazo have been worshipped for decades – their Grammy-winning success an authentication of the fact that the magic of isicathamiya music isn’t restricted to the townships where it flourished – The Joy’s harmonies hark back to yet another vocal tradition. Mbube means ‘lion’, which gives some indication of the elemental power its practitioners summon when bursting into song.

Making their U.K. debut TV appearances last summer with their appearance on Jools Holland’s 30th anniversary Later… show, it was instantly apparent here was a group fast becoming an international phenomenon. Gaining attention from the likes of Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson, with the latter calling them "my favourite group", the group also performed at this year’s Coachella joining Doja Cat to open her headline performance after they were hand-selected by her

The Joy released their self-titled debut album in June 2024. Recorded live, in real time, at the renowned Church Studios in Crouch End, London and featuring no instruments or overdubs, the 11-track album is a thing of transcendental beauty thanks to the astonishing vocal talent of the 5 group members – Pastor (Ntokozo Bright Magcaba), Duzie (Melokuhle Mkhungo), Guduza (Sphelele Hlophe), Sthombe (Phelelani Sithole) and Marcus (Sanele Ngcobo).