SA: The Joy drops ‘Bayang’khethela’ single ahead of album release

‘Bayang’khethela’ is complemented by a captivating performance video filmed by Up The Game during the live recording of the album at the iconic Church Studios in Crouch End, London. The visual accompaniment offers a glimpse into the energetic and emotive performance that took place during the album’s recording.

“The song takes a critical look at the tradition where parents choose who you should marry,” The Joy said. “‘Bayang’khethela’ comes from the contrary belief that nobody can choose who you should marry or be in love with.”

This is the second release this year by the a capella group which was recently part of US rapper and singer Doja Cat’s headlining performance at the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California.

The group’s album will be released via Transgressive Records and can be pre-ordered here. It showcases the astounding natural vocal ability of the five group members, namely Pastor (Ntokozo Bright Magcaba), Duzie (Melokuhle Mkhungo), Guduza (Sphelele Hlophe), Sthombe (Phelelani Sithole) and Marcus (Sanele Ngcobo), who have been together since meeting at school.

Embodied in the spirit of Mbube, meaning ‘lion’ in Zulu, the group taps into an ancestral energy through their voices, elevating their performance to a transcendent level. Their songs possess a transformative power, which has deeply resonated with audiences and propelled The Joy into uncharted territories. With coveted endorsements from international stars Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson, and collaborations with renowned producers, their music defies conventional limits, captivating hearts and minds globally.