Joel Zuma – Music Profile

The Sowetan newspaper raved about his ‘silky velvet voice’ and The Daily News called him the ‘new heart throb’. Joel and his band present a vibrant, eclectic mix of original Afro Soul, Afro Pop, Soul Ballads with a touch of Afro Jazz.

Joel has performed in intimate venues, small concerts and big festivals. His debut album ‘When the Time is Right’ is soulful and groovy with elements of RnB & Jazz with a rich African flavour. His original songs carry a strong message of Love, Hope and Inspiration. Joel’s singles “Onjengawe”, “Ngimtholile” have a great presence in a number of national and regional radio stations. His video for the single ‘’Onjengawe’’ is playlisted on popular television channels and available on You Tube.

Joel has headlined numerous musical shows at the Market Theatre, Joburg Theatre, Playhouse and The Barnyard Theatres around the country. He has played lead roles in musical shows like: ‘Starlight Classics’ ‘King Kong’, ’Shaka Zulu’, ‘The Young Ones’ and ‘Music in the Air’- in which he was nominated for the Naledi Awards and Durban Theatre Awards for: Best Singer, Best New Comer and Best Actor in a Musical.

“He is fantastically talented, great voice and good with his audience,” a critic wr ote after seeing him perform. He has performed in many international festivals, workshops and musical shows in countries such as USA, Canada, Holland, Belgium, Turkey and Bahrain. Joel has been coordinating his own intimate shows in several music venues around Johannesburg and Durban for almost 10 years now. He was on The Voice SA, mesmerized judges and viewers with a classic ‘’Try a little tenderness’’.

High profile performances include entertaining Former President Jacob Zuma, The Duke of Edinburgh – Prince Philip, and Former President of Botswana, Festus Mogae. Joel has shared stages with many SA greats like: Hugh Masikela, Judith Sephuma, Thandiswa Mazwai, Tsepo Tshola, Madala Kunene, Caiphus Semenya, KB, Zakes Bantwini, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Avant (American RnB star).

Joel & Band have appeared on prime-time television shows like Afro Café, Sky Room, Live Amp, Morning Live, eNews Sunrise, Soweto TV and Real Talk with Anele on SABC3. Joel’s latest singles ‘Thando Futhi’ and ‘A Place Called Love’ is available on all digital music stores.

Performance History

MTN Durban Jazz Festival
UBLS Fundraising Gala Dinner
Total SA Dealer’s Conference
Ukhozi FM Awards
Midmar Dam Music Festival
Goldern Horse Women’s Concert
DSAC Sports Awards
Pietermaritzburg Jazz Festival
ISAP International Gala Dinner
SALGA 10 Year Celebration
Gold Reef City-Live
Joburg City Conference