Joya Mooi Taps Nigeria’s Lady Donli for the Sultry New Single ‘Only Water’

Edison-nominated South African–Dutch artist Joya Mooi joins forces with Nigerian singer-songwriter Lady Donli on her latest single, Only Water, released via Unity Records.

The track has already been gaining strong traction on streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, earning placements on playlists including R&B Beats Spotify playlist, New Music Friday Spotify playlist across 28 territories, and New in R&B Apple Music playlist in 26 regions. The momentum is further expanding Joya Mooi’s reach across Africa and internationally.

The story behind Only Water

Inspired by Olympic diving legend Greg Louganis, Only Water draws on a story of refuge and resilience. In the late 1980s, Louganis found a sense of sanctuary in the water during a time when HIV/AIDS stigma heavily shaped both public perception and personal survival. That idea of water as a space for safety, anonymity, and emotional release lies at the heart of the track.

The fluid R&B collaboration leans into introspection rather than spectacle. Carried by warm basslines, gentle keys, and layered harmonies, the production creates an immersive and quietly contemplative soundscape—one that invites listeners into a moment of intimacy and reflection.

Introspective R&B that embraces trust and letting go

Only Water moves with striking restraint and clarity. Rather than building toward dramatic peaks, the song unfolds patiently, leaving room for breath, vulnerability, and moments of emotional stillness. Both voices meet in harmony rather than competition, creating a shared sense of calm strength and sincerity. The result is a track that feels deeply introspective yet expansive, rooted in personal experience while echoing far beyond it.

The single also continues Joya Mooi’s evolving EP chapter, following releases like Technicolour, Pay Day, and Lookalike. Across this body of work, she explores the emotional layers of everyday life, leaning more into observation than tidy resolution. Feelings are allowed to exist side by side—complex, overlapping, and sometimes unresolved. With Only Water, that perspective deepens further, centering on themes of surrender, trust, and the quiet strength found in letting go.

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