Singer-songwriter Joy Oladokun’s debut album in defense of my happiness (Amigo Records) reflects their growth as a Black queer. Having left the conservative Christian town they grew up in, the album succeeds both as vulnerable navigation of Joy’s life experiences with poetically tender lyrics.
Joy frequently draws from their religious background and how it intersects with their position as queer and Black. Several tracks on the album including “jordan” are heavily imbued with religious imagery as well as poignant lyrics.
“They drowned me in the Jordan / Then they tried to wash me clean / They got the stains out / But now it’s too damn hard to breathe,” sings Joy on “Jordan”.
More so, Joy dedicates the track “sunday” to shedding the fear they harbored growing up. Discussing the song’s background, Joy highlights how much writing the song was a milestone in affirming to themself, “it’s ok. You’re ok. You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t have to be straight. You don’t even have to be a Christian anymore. You can just exist.”
In “let it be me,” Joy reflects on their relationship with their Nigerian father. Joy commends his growing process in accepting their queer identity and lends him a level of reflective understanding. This being conveyed through clever, creative lyricism, such as, “what was once out of the question now gets met a quarter way. It might not be a rainbow but at least it’s more than grey.”
Joy gives their listeners plenty to ruminate on within their songs, each one packed with a considerable amount of words. While a 24-track album made up of primarily ballads may at times feel like a taxing feat on the part of the listener what eases listeners into and throughout the album is the honesty that exudes from Joy’s music, both vocally and instrumentally. Joy Oladokun’s rise is certainly one to keep an eye on, especially when the need for more queer POC artists is very much needed.
Stream the full album below.
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