Joy Oladokun has announced her next album, Hope Is a Heavy Thing, due on 25 September, alongside the release of its new single, “Kind”. The record follows 2024’s OBSERVATIONS FROM A CROWDED ROOM and marks a further expansion of her sound after signing to Concord Records earlier this year.

The 12-track album was produced by Oladokun, with additional work from Nigerian producer Spellz, and explores identity, connection and self-discovery after burnout. Oladokun cites influences including neo-soul, Afrobeats, Bob Dylan, J Dilla and protest music; “Kind”, following January’s “Nothing Comes Easy”, concerns ending a relationship after repeated second chances.