Whether we call it an incredibly lucky coincidence, inevitable fate, or divine providence – the world became more beautiful and richer when the five boys from The Joy turned up a little early for their school choir rehearsals one day. The meeting turned into a spontaneous jam, which then gave rise to the idea of forming a band. With their debut single, “Isencane Lengane” (2021), the likeable quintet sang their way into the hearts of people all across the planet. A cappella, without any overdubs, pure, and unadulterated, the group display a singing style that is directly based on Isicathamiya and Mbube – two vocal techniques of the Zulu people. In the tradition of multi-time Grammy winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo, The Joy then spent over three years working on their eponymous debut album, which has now been released. “The Joy” (2024) can justifiably be described as a work of art that has a genuine freshness and unpretentiousness in these times of overproduced mass-market goods. The vocal harmonies of these five voices blur the boundaries between cultures and impressively demonstrate that no effects or high-class studio bells and whistles are needed to create absolutely timeless music.