South African-Dutch singer-songwriter Joya Mooi has shared her vibrant new EP ‘Open Hearts’ in full.

At the heart of the six-track project is the theme of identity, with Joya Mooi taking listeners on a journey of self discovery as she pays tribute to a number of historical figures and events along the way. It serves as a continuation of her purposeful approach to music, having released double album ‘What's Around The Corner’ in January 2023 which explored themes of spirituality, cycles and social consciousness. The album has received over 5 million streams to date and international recognition for its thought-provoking subject matter, delivered through a contemporary R&B lens with hints of electronic, neo-soul and beyond.

On the ‘Open Hearts’ EP, Joya Mooi demonstrates a fresh sonic direction with a collection of six tracks that fuse together her signature style with some bright new elements such as pop and indie. The EP’s cornerstones of identity and historical depth have been channelled into groove-driven soundscapes that embody escapism, with the Amsterdam-based artist finding herself drawn to more upbeat melodies following her increase in live performances since the pandemic. Working closely with Johannesburg based producer duo Easy Freak plus platinum certified writer and producer Bastian Langebæk on a number of singles, Joya Mooi has crafted an expansive project that urges listeners to redefine their own stories and enjoy the simple moments that stitch our days together.

Speaking of the inspiration behind the ‘Open Hearts’ EP, Joya Mooi explains: "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 a 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."

Weaving together the struggles and triumphs of the past, the EP opens with previously released single ‘Poster Child’, which draws inspiration from Dutch painter and actress Nola Hatterman's 1930 painting 'Op het terras' (On the Terrace). Having found herself pondering on the untold stories of many talented artists, Joya Mooi captures the feeling of not being noticed or recognized for who we are, which she translates through a vibrant production flecked with summer sunshine. Title track and new featured single ‘Open Hearts’ follows, this time spotlighting the amazing story of South African surgeon Hamilton Naki who received notoriety for assisting during human-to-human heart transplant during apartheid - despite having no formal training. The song's shimmering sound has an anthemic quality that acts as a true celebration of overcoming; blooming despite the rain. ‘No Holding Back’ continues this joyful homage, favouring a softer, dream-like sound as Joya Mooi’s luscious vocals tell the story of Jamaican-born football player Beverly Ranger.

Taking a moment of reflection, ‘I Can Almost Say’ confronts the relatable topic of anxiety. Its mellow opener builds in pace and texture - leaning on Joya’s electronic influences with ethereal synths - to convey a sense of growth and new beginnings. On ‘Don’t Answer’ Joya Mooi builds on the topic of daily life struggles as she vents her frustrations about personal boundaries, which she chooses to deliver in a sweet and heartfelt manner in order to urge listeners to find courage in prioritising solitude for peace of mind. Closing out the EP, 'Overlooked Ghosts' featuring Gracy Hopkins underscores the project's thematic exploration of history, drawing inspiration from the tragic events of the Congo genocide. In this track, the collaboration between the two artists serves as a beacon of solidarity, shedding light on another chapter of African diasporic history intertwined with Europe. Joya's warm vocals blend seamlessly with Gracy's modern hip-hop sound, creating reflection on grief and remembrance.

Weaving together individual and collective experiences, Joya Mooi’s ‘Open Hearts’ EP highlights her heartfelt intention to use her voice for positive change. Also standing out for its rich compositions that are inspired by a myriad of genres, this project further proves Joya Mooi’s undeniable position as one of the most forward-thinking voices in modern R&B right now. Born to a South African father - who was a freedom fighter and part of the ANC - and a Dutch mother, Joya Mooi aims to amplify untold stories that are often overlooked, and in turn highlight what it means to be an artist of mixed heritage in the Netherlands. She’s received notable press attention from the likes of Billboard, OkayAfrica, The Line of Best Fit, Notion, Afropunk and many more, as well as featuring as the cover on Spotify's largest Soul playlist, ‘Soul N the City’ plus H&M’s flagship playlist. Elsewhere, just a few of her many achievements also include supporting Benny Sings for his European tour and collaborating with Utrecht-based R&B and hip-hop trio .multibeat for ‘Don’t Count Me In’.