Joya Mooi – Only Water (feat. Lady Donli)

Two big artists collaborate to create one of the most powerful songs of the week. Dutch-South African singer-songwriter Joya Mooi and Pan-African multi-hyphenate Lady Donli’s ‘Only Water’ was inspired by noted Olympic diver Greg Louganis, who found solace in the water while suffering from the social stigma of HIV in the 80s and 90s.

Sonically, the production presents listeners with a hypnotic fusion of alternative R&B and neo-soul, building a soundscape that immerses you in the story of the song, just as a diver immerses themselves in a deep pool.

Mooi’s music has picked up praise from the likes of NPO, KEXP, and Billboard Africa, while Lady Donli currently draws more than 140k monthly listeners on Spotify.

Joya Mooi | Lady Donli | Ones To Watch Playlist

Joya Mooi – You Know Me Well By Now

Amsterdam-based singer songwriter Joya Mooi shares her hypnotising new release ‘You Know Me Well By Now’, reuniting with producer Sim Fane for another supreme cut of modern R&B.

“I think as people we do many things, sending out mixed messages, avoiding difficult questions or having ”off days” – so it only makes sense that most people don’t get to meet the ‘real’ you. Society is changing a lot, and it looks like people are becoming more hesitant to learn something themselves. I don’t know if it’s fear of trying or if it just seems easier to be detached by default. But it is something that has been on my mind lately.”

Joya Mooi