Artist Spotlight: Joy Oladokun
Need a piano ballad to soothe your midweek blues? I know just the woman for that.
Nigerian singer-songwriter and producer Joy Oladukon is a true pioneer in the industry already; she crafts music brimming with heartfelt words that stem from past experiences, contrite decisions, and one riveting adventure toward stardom. With a folk-pop tune and undeniable swagger, 30 year old Joy has released two successful studio albums so far: Carry (2016) and In Defense of My Own Happiness (2021).
Growing up Different
Though born in Delaware, Joy was raised in Casa Grande, Arizona with her loving, Nigerian parents and grandparents who were all immigrants. She knew this simple fact made her different from most of her peers, but she was proud of her heritage and her family. In a town populated with mostly caucasian people, Joy drew her first musical inspiration from watching Tracy Chapman perform on television at ten years old. She says of that time, “Every time I’ve seen a guitar, it has been in the hands of a white person. [When] I got to see Tracy and her guitar in a stadium of people — just listening to her thoughts, her feelings, how she saw the world — it changed my life, very literally” (Freeman).
Formerly raised religious, Joy struggled to remain active within the Christian church after coming out as a lesbian. This is a common occurrence for LGBTQ+ members as they may feel unsafe, unwelcome, or even threatened in an environment known to restrict their freedoms. “This is the life I want, and this is the life I know I can build, and I’m going to need a combination of my own internal determination and luck or blessings or whatever you want to call it to get it done,” Oladokun says. “I found love, I found hope, and I’m moving forward in that direction,” (Freeman).
Present Day Joy
Life in Nashville keeps Joy active, especially with new concert/tour dates being added onto her schedule as she continues to sweep the charts. Alongside her girlfriend of four years and their adorable dog, she lives her life unapologetically as an out, queer woman in the South. She often takes to social media in order to advocate for or against various social issues, the most important of which addresses violence and bigotry toward the black community. Her song “I See America” was included in NPR’s “100 Best Songs of 2020” list and unveils the damage that racial prejudice seeks to produce in a country fixed on disorder.
During the start of the new year, Joy debuted on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, singing “Breathe Again” in all of its ominous glory (Bernstein). Just before then in 2021, she was awarded the honors of Vogue’s “#1 LGBTQ+ musician,” Amazon Music’s “2021 Artists to Watch,” Youtube’s “Black Voices of 2021,” Spotify’s “Radar Artists to Watch in 2021,” and NPR’s “2021 Artists to Watch.” If the fact isn’t obvious by now, Joy is a masterful force to be reckoned with in the music industry. The autobiography on her website reads, “I write a lot of sad songs, but I always push for a sliver of a silver lining or glimmer of hope it could be better. That's why I’m writing in the first place. I want you to be changed when you hear me, and not because I’m special, but because I make music with the intention to change myself” (Oladokun).
Five Fun Facts About Joy Oladokun
Can flawlessly play 6 instruments.
Her first introductions to music were through her father, who shared Peter Gabriel, Johnny Cash, Phil Collins, and Conway Twitty records with her as a child.
Her dog’s name is Joni.
Nominated for Emerging Act of the Year Award at the 2021 Americana Honors & Awards, but lost to Charley Crockett.
Kicked off a 25-show tour this year and recently announced 3 confirmed shows for September!
Recommended Songs
Look Up
Breathe Again
Purple Haze
Blink Twice
Someone Like You ft. Noah Kahan
I See America
Sober
Bigger Man ft. Maren Morris
If You Got a Problem
Praise for Joy Oladokun:
Like her name, Joy Oladokun delivers all the feel-good vibes you could hope for in such a unique talent. After only a single day of listening to her music, I couldn’t help but to buy tickets for an upcoming show. Her lyricism abilities are nothing short of remarkable and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have at least two of her songs stuck in my head at all times. There are few folk artists blessed with the aching rasp that Joy croons and even fewer with the powerhouse vocals to compliment it. To say that I am impressed is a dramatic understatement- I might be her new biggest fan! Hopefully after reading this, she’s gained a new fan in you, too.
Sources:
Oladokun, Joy. Joyoladokun.com, https://www.joyoladokun.com/bio.
Freeman, Jon. “Joy Oladokun's Hard-Won Happiness.” Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 6 Aug. 2021, https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/joy-oladokun-artist-you-need-to-know-1207348/.
Bernstein, Jonathan. “Joy Oladokun Delivers a Stunning 'Breathe Again' on 'Fallon'.” Rolling Stone, Rolling Stone, 10 Feb. 2021, https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-country/joy-oladokun-breathe-again-tonight-show-1126257/amp/.