Two years after her last electrifying performance at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, Doja Cat made a triumphant return on Sunday, stealing the spotlight as a headliner and surpassing her 2022 show with an even more dazzling display. The rapper and singer kicked off her visually stunning set by belting out “Acknowledge Me” from a podium behind the soundboard, clad in a striking white hazmat suit.
But the real surprise came with the transition to “Shutcho,” as Doja Cat was joined by the five talented male vocalists of South African acapella group The Joy, all dressed in matching white attire. Together, they transported the audience to a nuclear power plant setting on the Coachella Stage, delivering their performance in Isi Zulu, infusing the air with a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
Comprised of Ntokozo Magcaba, Melokuhle Mkhungo, Sanele Ngcobo, Phelelani Sithole, and Sandile Sphelele Hlophe, The Joy first captured hearts with their 2021 EP “Amabutho,” a fusion of traditional Zulu music and contemporary a capella flair. Originating from a small town near Durban, South Africa, the group’s journey began in high school, where their shared passion for singing brought them together.
The Joy took to Instagram to share their exhilaration, expressing gratitude to Doja Cat and the Coachella team for the unforgettable experience. Their performance not only thrilled the crowd but also garnered widespread acclaim, further solidifying their status as ambassadors of South African talent on the global stage.
This wasn’t the first time The Joy captivated international audiences. In 2022, they closed out the year with a mesmerizing medley on “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” earning praise from the host herself, who declared them her favorite South African group. Their star-studded journey also includes shoutouts from music icons like Sam Smith and Alicia Keys, cementing their place as a rising force in the music industry.
As Doja Cat and The Joy’s collaboration continues to reverberate across continents, their performance at Coachella marks not just a musical moment but a celebration of cultural exchange and artistic excellence.
Doja Cat performs with South African acappella group called The Joy during her headlining set at Coachella.🇿🇦🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/UJf8d3FN2O
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) April 15, 2024Picture: @thejoyofficialmusic on Instagram.
