As Coachella’s second weekend approaches, the anticipation is palpable, and South Africa’s pride, The Joy, has already left an indelible impression on the festival stage. With their soul-stirring vocals and vibrant celebration of Zulu tradition, they’ve captivated hearts and left audiences eagerly awaiting their encore performance. Amidst the electrifying surprises of the first weekend, including Tyler, The Creator’s unexpected guest, Charlie Wilson, and Will Smith’s thrilling collaboration with J Balvin, it was The Joy who truly shone brightest, winning over our hearts with their infectious energy and rich cultural heritage.

For those not yet acquainted with The Joy, their collaboration with Doja Cat during her Coachella set was a revelation. The group lent their enchanting harmonies to two of her tracks, “Acknowledge Me” and “Shutcho,” infusing the latter with Zulu lyrics that added a proudly South African twist to the performance.

Comprised of Pastor (Ntokozo Bright Magcaba), Duzie (Melokuhle Mkhungo), Guduza (Sphelele Hlophe), Sthombe (Phelelani Sithole), and Marcus (Sanele Ngcobo), The Joy’s journey from humble beginnings to global recognition is nothing short of remarkable. It all began in high school, where fate brought them together during an early choir practice session. Their undeniable chemistry led them to clinch the top prize in a municipality-wide singing contest, setting them on a path to stardom.

Since then, The Joy has garnered praise from music icons like Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson, captivating audiences with their modern interpretation of acapella rooted in Zulu tradition. Their music exudes an infectious energy that invites listeners to join in the celebration, embodying the joyous spirit from which they draw their name.

But the excitement doesn’t end there. Fresh off their Coachella debut, The Joy is poised for even greater heights. Their performance at the festival coincided with the release of their latest single, “You Complete Me,” building anticipation for their upcoming self-titled album set to drop on June 21st.

For those who missed their mesmerizing Coachella set, fear not. The Joy will be gracing the stage once again during the festival’s second weekend, ensuring that fans have another chance to experience their captivating performance.

As Coachella gears up for its encore weekend, the spotlight shines brightly on The Joy, reminding us all of the power of music to unite cultures and spread happiness. With each note they sing, The Joy reaffirms their place as ambassadors of South African talent on the global stage. So, whether you’re a seasoned fan or just discovering their music, join in the celebration and let The Joy uplift your spirit.