The Joy released an EP called Hammarsdale in August 2023 on Transgressive Records. Clash described lead single "Mountain" as "a beautiful experience, with its transportive impact sending you half-way across the world to South Africa."[5] In April 2024 they performed with Doja Cat at Coachella,[1] and in May she released three collaborative tracks with them.[6]
On 21 June 2024 The Joy released their eponymous debut album, which was recorded live at the Church Studios in London.[2] David Hutcheon of Mojo wrote that "the harmonies highlight their Zulu upbringing, and of lives spent listening to isicathamiya music," and described primary lead vocalist Melokuhle Mkhungo's voice as "one of the finds of the year."[7]