The Joy releases Precious, a new single, on Friday 19 June. The exciting new song combines Zulu and English verses, building on the momentum of their viral rise and growing global recognition. It marks a new chapter for the group, and true to form, it moves through space that feels both refined and expansive, anchored by the rich, moving harmonies that have become their signature.
Precious arrives just ahead of a one-night-only show in Durban on 26 June at The Chairman. Doors open at 18:00, with the show starting at 19:00. Tickets are available at Early Bird (R200) and General (R250–R300) via www.quicket.co.za. Audiences can expect a carefully curated set of released favourites alongside new and unreleased material, a glimpse into their evolution as artists and storytellers.
The Joy is a South African band bringing a distinct voice to global music through soul-stirring harmonies, rich cultural expression, and a deeply human sense of connection. Hailing from a small town in KwaZulu-Natal, the group has captured hearts around the world through their meteoric rise, marked by critical acclaim, viral moments that have grown their TikTok following to over 1,1 million, and high-profile collaborations.
From their breakout single Isencane Lengane and debut EP Amabutho (2021) to electrifying performances on The Jennifer Hudson Show and Later… with Jools Holland, The Joy has earned praise from global icons including Alicia Keys, Sam Smith, and Jennifer Hudson, who called them her “favourite band” and featured them on her Christmas album The Gift of Love. Their collaborations extend further still, from a 2023 release with The Blessed Madonna (Shades of Love) to a feature on Doja Cat’s Scarlet 2 CLAUDE album.
Their commanding live presence has graced iconic stages worldwide, from London’s Church Studios, where they recorded The Joy (Live Album), to Glastonbury, Coachella, WOMADELAIDE, Sziget, Green Man, Pukkelpop, and Way Out West. Most recently, they brought their vibrant vocal arrangements to Global Citizen Africa 2026 and Together for a Better Day, the annual tribute concert in honour of Avicii.
As their sound continues to evolve, The Joy are finding new ways to bring their Zulu musical roots into contemporary global sounds and the modern Afropop landscape, creating music that feels both anchored in home and resonant across borders. Their reach extends far beyond the stage, moving across languages, cultures, and digital spaces. Yet at the centre of it all remains something far more grounded. As they often say: “Life made us friends, music made us brothers.”
