Joya Mooi has dropped her latest six-track EP, and it’s a beautiful homage to historical tales from the diaspora.
Titled Open Hearts, the project takes a purposeful approach to storytelling, dealing with personal themes of identity and self-discovery, as Mooi ponders the untold lives of many talented, often overlooked figures in African history.
Opener “Open Hearts” is about the amazing story of South African surgeon Hamilton Naki, who received notoriety for assisting a human-to-human heart transplant during apartheid, despite having no formal training. The song’s shimmering sound has this anthemic quality that is almost addictive, acting as a true celebration of overcoming hardship.
“No Holding Back” continues with a joyous, dream-like sound, telling the story of Jamaican-born football player Beverly Ranger.
“After releasing my previous album, I felt a strong urge to dance and to dive into the past,” says Mooi. “I’ve always had a hard time taking up space, and with this project, I’ve allowed myself to lead with an open heart (go figure), shedding a light on individuals who at times go unnoticed, highlighting their stories and triumphs,” she continues.
“I Can Almost Say” confronts the relatable topic of anxiety, with a mellow intro that builds in both pace and texture, drawing on Mooi’s many electronic influences as well as her love of ethereal synths.
Working closely with Johannesburg based producer duo Easy Freak and platinum certified writer and producer Bastian Langebæk, Mooi has crafted an expansive project that offers an upbeat, deeply introspective sound.
Closing out the EP, “Overlooked Ghosts” featuring Gracy Hopkins underscores the project’s thematic cornerstones – history and identity. Drawing on the tragic events of the Congo genocide, the collaboration between the two artists feels like a needed display of solidarity given our current political landscape. Joya’s warm vocals blend seamlessly with Gracy’s modern hip-hop sound, making for a soothing reflection on grief and remembrance.
These rich compositions marry genre and narrative with distinct style, and the result is a graceful fable.