Joy Oladokun has released the official music video for her new single “Kind,” directed by Grammy-nominated artist and filmmaker Jesse Boykins III. The video tells the story of a Nigerian queer couple, portraying themes of connection and belonging.

Oladokun explained that the song is about releasing the systems and mindsets that hold people back, and that she wanted the video to push back against the criminalization of queer relationships in Nigeria — a legacy she attributes to colonial-era homophobia rather than the country’s own culture.

“Kind” is the newest preview of Oladokun’s forthcoming album, Hope Is A Heavy Thing, due September 25 via Concord Records. The 12-track project was produced by Oladokun with contributions from Nigerian producer Spellz, and features a collaboration with Adekunle Gold. Oladokun has described the record as an effort to rediscover hope after burning out, built while recording across Nashville, New York, and on tour, and drawing on influences ranging from the Soulquarians and Bob Dylan to afrobeats and J Dilla.

The album follows Oladokun’s acclaimed releases in defense of my own happiness (2021), Proof of Life (2023), and Observations From A Crowded Room (2024). A queer Black artist and daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Oladokun has built a reputation for vulnerable songwriting exploring identity, faith, and social justice, earning praise from NPR Music and The New York Times along the way.

This fall, she’ll hit the road on “The Heavy Things Tour,” with newly announced stops in Austin, Los Angeles, Seattle, Denver, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Nashville, among others.

Joy Oladokun

Hope Is A Heavy Thing

Concord Records

Tracklist:

1. Raised By The Radio (A Reintroduction)

2. Dear Maria

3. Easy Company

4. Kind

5. TOGIAIM

6. Sage (feat. Adekunle Gold)

7. The End Of The World

8. Zombie

9. Toothache

10. Don’t Call Me Baby!

11. Die Young

12. Time Is A River

Joy Oladokun 2026/27 Tour Dates

Aug 15 — Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN

Aug 28 — Topaz Farm, Portland, OR

Oct 5 — State Fair of Texas 2026, Dallas, TX

Oct 16 — The Heights Theater, Houston, TX

Oct 17 — Scoot Inn, Austin, TX

Oct 20 — Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix, AZ

Oct 21 — The Observatory North Park, San Diego, CA

Oct 23 — The Bellwether, Los Angeles, CA

Oct 25 — Castro Theatre, San Francisco, CA

Oct 27 — Aladdin Theater, Portland, OR

Oct 29 — Hollywood Theatre, Vancouver, BC

Oct 30 — Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA

Nov 2 — The Complex – The Grand, Salt Lake City, UT

Nov 4 — Paramount Theatre, Denver, CO

Nov 6 — The Granada Theater, Lawrence, KS

Nov 7 — Palace Theatre, St. Paul, MN

Nov 8 — The Vic Theatre, Chicago, IL

Nov 11 — Warsaw Concerts, Brooklyn, NY

Nov 12 — Ardmore Music Hall, Ardmore, PA

Nov 13 — Howard Theatre, Washington, D.C.

Nov 15 — Haw River Ballroom, Saxapahaw, NC

Nov 17 — Neighborhood Theatre, Charlotte, NC

Nov 18 — Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA

Nov 19 — Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN

Apr 25 — Moon Crush, Miramar Beach, FL

Pre-order Hope Is A Heavy Thing here.