'5 Questions With': Joya Mooi

EQ: Being from a Dutch and South African heritage, have those backgrounds influenced you musically in any way?

JM: Growing up I mostly listened to Jazz music from Abdullah Ibrahim, Dizzy Gillespie to Alice and John Coltrane - my parents had a big record collection. In my teens I was more drawn to artists where I could hear a strong sense of urgency in lyricism. I think that had both to do with being Dutch & South African, living in the Netherlands and having parents who were freedom fighters. I first mainly listened to jazz but later discovered R&B, indie and punkrock. I think I’m still very much drawn to music of resistance, contemporary tunes or music from the past. But when creating I’m not actively trying to reference the music that has shaped me, cause what I love about making music that it can be so intuitive. I’ve studied music for some time, but it really had a restraining impact on the way I was making songs. I was seeking more ways of expressing myself, outside a theoretically space. And since I’ve felt more free in creating, I had phases with electronic music, thanks to clubbing. Or digging back into Bubblegum music, because it sounds like home.

EQ: What has been the most challenging part of your journey so far? And, what’s been the most memorable one?

JM: Putting out music, performing and staying creative in music as an independent artist, comes with a lot of challenges to be honest. Staying truthful to my music, being (and staying) real in this music business, yet remaining positive haha. It can get rough, but my main goal is to be as close to my intention. And my intention is to be free in my art and in life.

Most memorable.. shooting the I Can Do Better video in South Africa immediately comes to mind. It’s the first video where I’ve shown my family, some bits of my personal life. The song itself is still closes to my heart, so that one was really special to share with relatives.

EQ: You’ve frequently collaborated with the likes of Sim Fane and SIROJ - is there anyone who is high up on your collaboration dream list?

JM: Artists like Fatima, Alfa Mist, Georgia Anne Muldrow among maaaany others. There are so many amazing musicians creating the moment. We’re very blessed and spoiled that great music is so accessible these days.