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Gabonese-Ghanaian artist Joy Makita is carving his name into the global music scene with the release of his vibrant new single, “Tout est carré.” The track, a smooth yet powerful blend of Afrobeats, amapiano, and R&B, marks the first taste of his ambitious debut trilogy project, Son Of The South. The first EP from the series, Mangolu, is set to drop later this year.
Makita, whose real name is a tribute to the legendary Gabonese warrior Nyonda Makita of the Barumbu clan, uses music as a tool of joy and resistance. His sound merges traditional African rhythms with genre-blending innovation—infusing hip-hop, dancehall, jazz, and even synthé rock. With lyrics delivered in both pidgin English and French, his multilingual flow bridges continents and cultures.
Born in Gabon, Joy was raised on an eclectic musical diet—icons like Michael Jackson, Mylène Farmer, R. Kelly, Boyz II Men, and Fat Joe filled his early playlists. As he matured, so did his musical tastes, expanding to embrace artists such as Lil Wayne, DJ Khaled, 6lack, Nicki Minaj, and French rap heavyweights like Booba and Josman.
At 14, Makita relocated to Accra, Ghana, a move that deeply reconnected him to his African roots. Immersed in highlife and afrobeats, he drew inspiration from stars like Wizkid, Asake, Sarkodie, and the legendary Angélique Kidjo. This cross-cultural influence is now the heart of his sound.
Currently based in France, Joy Makita embodies what he calls “The Best of Both Worlds”—Africa and Europe, tradition and innovation, rhythm and rebellion. His name says it all: Joy stands for “Just Only You,” a personal mantra that underscores his commitment to authenticity and self-reliance.
With “Tout est carré,” Joy Makita isn’t just releasing a single—he’s making a statement. Africa’s past, present, and future flow through his music, and this is only the beginning.