South African-Dutch sensation Joya Mooi is back and better than ever with her vibrant new EP, Open Hearts. This six-track gem is a deep dive into the theme of identity, taking listeners on an electrifying journey of self-discovery, with nods to historical figures and moments that have shaped our world. Following her critically acclaimed double album What’s Around The Corner—which racked up over 5 million streams and wowed audiences globally—Joya Mooi is now turning the page to explore fresh, uplifting sounds.
In Open Hearts, Joya Mooi effortlessly fuses her signature R&B style with bright pops of indie and danceable grooves. The result? A musical landscape where identity and history meet feel-good vibes, perfect for losing yourself in the rhythm. After her recent wave of live performances post-pandemic, Joya found herself drawn to more upbeat melodies—a reflection of the joyful energy she’s brought to this new project.
Working closely with Johannesburg’s dynamic duo Easy Freak and platinum-certified producer Bastian Langebæk, Joya has crafted a lush, expansive EP that not only gets you moving but also invites you to rethink your own story. Through these tracks, she encourages listeners to savor the simple, yet profound moments that stitch our days together.
Talking about the inspiration behind Open Hearts, Joya Mooi shares, “Embracing a sense of freedom has always been a theme in my life. But after releasing my latest album, I felt a strong urge to dance and to dive into the past. I’ve always had a hard time taking up space, and with this EP I’ve allowed myself to lead with an open heart. Shedding light on individuals who at times go unnoticed, highlighting their stories and triumphs. Open Hearts is all about digging into how our pasts shape who we are.”
The EP kicks off with the radiant single “Poster Child,” inspired by Dutch artist Nola Hatterman’s 1930 painting Op het terras (On the Terrace). Joya Mooi taps into the emotions of being overlooked, weaving them into a sun-drenched production that feels like summer in a song. Next up is the anthemic title track, “Open Hearts,” which tells the incredible story of South African surgeon Hamilton Naki, who played a pivotal role in heart transplants during apartheid despite lacking formal training. This track is a testament to blooming despite the odds—a true anthem of overcoming adversity.
Continuing with “No Holding Back,” Joya Mooi dips into a softer, dream-like sound as her silky vocals pay tribute to Jamaican-born footballer Beverly Ranger. The EP then takes a reflective turn with “I Can Almost Say,” a track that confronts anxiety with an evolving soundscape of ethereal synths, symbolizing growth and new beginnings. “Don’t Answer” is a sweet yet powerful anthem of self-care, where Joya Mooi encourages us to find courage in setting boundaries, all delivered with a heartfelt touch.
The EP closes with “Overlooked Ghosts” featuring Gracy Hopkins, a haunting reflection on the Congo genocide. This powerful collaboration blends Joya’s warm vocals with Gracy’s modern hip-hop edge, shining a light on a chapter of African diasporic history that often goes untold.
Open Hearts is not just a collection of songs—it’s a masterclass in storytelling, wrapped in rich, genre-blurring compositions that highlight Joya Mooi as one of the most forward-thinking voices in modern R&B. Born to a South African freedom fighter and a Dutch mother, Joya Mooi is on a mission to amplify untold stories and explore what it means to be an artist of mixed heritage in the Netherlands. With praise from the likes of Billboard, OkayAfrica, The Line of Best Fit, Notion, Afropunk, and more, she’s already making waves. And let’s not forget her spotlight on Spotify’s Soul N the City and H&M’s flagship playlist, or her collaborations with .multibeat and tour with Benny Sings.
Open Hearts is out on August 30th via Unity Records—get ready to press play and open your heart.
Open Hearts EP Tracklist:
- Poster Child (prod. by Anis)
- Open Hearts (prod. by Easy Freak & Bastian Langebæk)
- No Holding Back (prod. by Easy Freak & Bastian Langebæk)
- I Can Almost Say (prod. by Easy Freak & Bastian Langebæk)
- Don’t Answer (prod. by Easy Freak)
- Overlooked Ghosts ft Gracy Hopkins (prod. by Tices)
Main Image: Supplied
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