Having joined Doja Cat to open her headline performances on both weekends of this year’s Coachella Festival, South African vocal group The Joy have shared the song and video for ‘Amaqatha Amancane’, the latest track to be taken from their self-titled debut album which is will be released via Transgressive Records on Friday 21 June 2024.
Recorded live during one live take at the renowned Church Studios in Crouch End, London during the album session, the track showcases 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) – who have been together since meeting at school.
The Joy explains the story behind ‘Amaqatha Amancane’
“The track tells the tale of a Sunday at the ‘Shisanyama’, a place where South Africans go to eat, drink, listen to music and hang out.”
“It paints a picture which will be familiar to all South Africans, these are places where people from all backgrounds come together to enjoy themselves and celebrate life.”
“The song itself describes the miserly actions of a chef grilling meat and the calling out of their actions which are firmly not in keeping with the spirit of the ‘Shisanyama’.”
The track is accompanied by a video which was filmed by Up The Game (the creative team behind Liam Gallagher: Knebworth 22 and Tonight with: Arlo Parks) at the live recording of the album.
Check out the video below:
You can stream / download the track HERE.
With regards to their astonishing Coachella appearance, it came about after they were hand-selected by Doja Cat as a guest and they provided lead vocals alongside the American rapper on two of her tracks; recent single, ‘Acknowledge Me’ and ‘Shutcho’ which was reimagined to incorporate lyrics in Zulu – you can watch footage of the performance HERE and read more about it at The Guardian and Billboard.
More info about The Joy
The Joy, a group of five teenage boys from the South African township of Hammarsdale, discovered their harmonious synergy during a spontaneous singing session. Rooted in the Zulu tradition of a cappella singing, their vocal prowess harkens back to the elemental power of isicathamiya music.
Despite their humble beginnings, they gained recognition after winning a singing contest, catching the attention of Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson. Under the guidance of producer Two Inch Punch, their music amassed millions of streams.
United by a sense of brotherhood, they believe their music speaks to them collectively, guiding their path before they’re even aware. Their performances evoke a transcendent experience akin to legendary musical moments, bridging the gap between artist and listener, offering moments of musical epiphany.
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