Joy Oladokun isn’t your typical artist. She’s not riding the Afrobeats wave that dominates much of the Nigerian diaspora’s music scene, nor is she following any pre-set formula. Instead, Joy has carved out her own lane—a sound that blends folk, pop, and deeply personal storytelling. It’s music that feels like a conversation with a close friend, full of vulnerability, warmth, and truth.
Born to Nigerian immigrant parents and raised in the U.S., Joy’s perspective is refreshingly unique. As a proud Black, queer woman, she weaves her identity into her music in ways that feel both raw and uplifting. Her songs often celebrate life’s small but profound moments while also tackling bigger questions about love, belonging, and what it means to be human.
Joy’s Music
So, what does Joy Oladokun’s music sound like? It’s hard to pin down in the best way possible. Imagine folk’s heart, pop’s accessibility, and a little experimental edge. Her songs are often introspective, but they never feel heavy. Instead, they feel like a safe space—one where you can laugh, cry, and find a bit of yourself in her lyrics. Tracks like “Pride” and “Breathe Again” show her knack for turning personal moments into universal anthems.
At her core, Joy is all about connection. Whether she’s collaborating with artists, performing on national TV, or writing music on her own, her goal is the same: to bring people together through stories and songs. She’s a champion for embracing differences and finding the common ground that unites us.
Joy Oladokun’s Big Break
What’s inspiring is how Joy Oladokun’s journey started. After college, Joy was ready to settle into a “normal” job until a friend asked her what she’d do if money weren’t an issue. Her answer was to write songs and travel. That was all the push she needed to chase her dreams, moving to Los Angeles and building her career from scratch.
Joy’s big breakthrough came in 2020 with “I See America,” a song that bravely reflected on racism and inequality in the U.S. It was the kind of track that stops you in your tracks because of its sincerity. Since then, she’s released two stellar albums, *In Defense of My Own Happiness* and *Proof of Life*, both of which have earned critical acclaim and made their way onto plenty of “best of” lists.
What’s Next from Joy Oladokun?
Joy Oladokun just released her lates project, *Observations From a Crowded Room*, and it’s clear this is a new chapter for her. This time, Joy has taken the reins completely, writing and producing the album herself. This has resulted in a bold mix of her signature folk-pop sound with electronic and even psychedelic touches.
Joy Oladokun has worked with some of the biggest names in the business—Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile, and Jason Isbell, to name a few—and shared stages with artists like Hozier and John Mayer.
With her newly released album, Joy Oladokun is once again proving why she’s one of the most exciting voices in music right now. Her sound is different, yes—but that’s what makes it so powerful. Joy isn’t trying to fit in. She’s just being herself. And that’s exactly why we can’t stop listening.