The Joy - UK live dates, November 2026.

Tuesday, August 04, 2026

South African acapella group The Joy return with three shows across the UK this Autumn. Details attached.

From;
https://serious.org.uk/events/the-joy-3

The Joy
Sun 22 Nov 2026–Wed 25 Nov 2026

The Joy is a South African band redefining global music through soul-stirring harmonies, rich cultural expression, and a deeply human sense of connection. Hailing from a small town in KwaZulu-Natal, the group has captured hearts around the world through their meteoric rise – marked by critical acclaim, viral moments, and high-profile collaborations.

From their breakout single Isencane Lengane and debut EP Amabutho (2021) to electrifying performances on The Jennifer Hudson Show and Later… with Jools Holland, The Joy has earned praise from global icons including Alicia Keys, Sam Smith, and Jennifer Hudson, who called them her “favorite band” and featured them on her Christmas album The Gift of Love.

Their collaborations span global stars, from a 2023 release with The Blessed Madonna (Shades of Love) to a feature on Doja Cat’s Scarlet 2 CLAUDE album, further cementing their place on the global stage.

Their commanding live performances have graced iconic stages around the world – from London’s Church Studios, where they recorded The Joy (Live Album), to festivals including Glastonbury, Coachella, WOMADELAIDE, Sziget, Green Man, Pukkelpop, and Way Out West. Most recently, they brought their vibrant vocal arrangements and compositions to Global Citizen Africa 2026 and Together for a Better Day, the annual tribute concert in honour of Avicii.

As their sound continues to grow, The Joy are finding new ways to bring their Zulu musical roots into contemporary global sounds and the modern Afropop landscape – creating music that feels both anchored in home and resonant across borders. The reach of The Joy’s music extends far beyond the stage – moving across languages, cultures, and digital spaces – carrying their sound and spirit to audiences around the world. Yet at the centre of it all remains something far more grounded.

Sun 22 November
Stage time / 7:30pm
Doors / 7:00pm
Location
Barbican,
Silk Street
EC2Y 8DS
Visit Website
https://www.barbican.org.uk/
Tickets
£31.50 - £41.50 incl fees
https://serious.org.uk/events/the-joy-3

Mon 23 November
Stage time / 7:30pm
Doors / 7:00pm
Location
Strange Brew, Bristol
10-12 Fairfax St
BS1 3DB
Visit Website
https://www.strangebrewbristol.com/
Tickets
£24.40 incl. fees
Book Tickets
https://www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/whats-on/strange-brew/mon-23-nov-the-joy-south-africa-special-guests-159402

Wed 25 November
Stage time / 7:30pm
Doors / 7:00pm
Location
MANCHESTER Band on the Wall,
25 Swan Street
M4 5JZ
Visit Website
https://bandonthewall.org/
Tickets
£20 - £24 + booking fee
Book Tickets
https://bandonthewall.org/events/the-joy-3/