Joy Oladokun Releases Hope Is a Heavy Thing

Joy Oladokun, a 34-year-old artist born in Delaware, has released her latest album titled Hope Is a Heavy Thing. This new release reflects the emotional process she went through following her previous album, Observations From a Crowded Room, which was released in 2024. Oladokun stated that she chose to stop drinking alcohol during the production process of Hope Is a Heavy Thing.

The background of Oladokun includes growing up in the town of Casa Grande, Arizona, after her parents immigrated to the United States from Nigeria. Her desire to play the guitar was first sparked at 10 years old when she watched a video of Tracy Chapman. Following her graduation from university, Oladokun moved to Los Angeles before eventually relocating to East Nashville.

In 2019, Oladokun put out the song Sunday, stating that she wrote it as a dedication to her 12-year-old self. In addition to her solo recordings, Oladokun has engaged in creative work with several other artists. Names she has previously collaborated with include Chris Stapleton, Noah Kahan, and Adekunle Gold.