Joy Okobi: an empowering force
Joy Okobi’s journey from Nigeria to Townsville inspired her to empower others through music, celebrating resilience and community support.
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From humble beginnings in Nigeria to becoming an empowering force in Townsville, Joy Okobi - known to many by her stage name Joiy - embodies resilience and strength.
Her story is an inspiring testament to overcoming adversity, vividly illustrated in her soulful song “Superwoman.”
After arriving in Townsville in 2018 with little more than a small bag and even smaller expectations, Joy found herself unexpectedly stranded.
Yet, the kindness of strangers and community organisations such as Calvary Church and the Towsnville Women’s Centre helped her rebuild her life.
Joy told NQ Weekend that Townsville embraced her during her most difficult times,
Now, Joy uses her music and experiences to uplift and empower the community that once offered her sanctuary and hope.
Joy’s song “Superwoman” is not just a musical composition but a declaration of strength and resilience.
Reflecting on its inception, she reveals that the song took shape over 15 years, starting with the compelling line, “They say...”
“The first spark came from a hook that began with “They say...”—it felt like a strong opening line, so I built on it, layering more “They say...” until the song began to take shape. I worked hard to bring what I heard in my head to life on the keyboard, refining it with each attempt.
“The final version you hear today wasn’t the first—it went through multiple evolutions before everything came together.”
Fast forward a few years, Joy completed the song in Australia, and she said it felt like she had come full circle.
“I collaborated with talented musicians both overseas and locally, including the incredible 121 Selah, a Nigerian choir group whose voices added so much depth to the song. The amazing producer Dami played a key role in shaping the sound, while Brendan Productions in Townsville handled vocal production, mixing, and mastering.
“The talented Dan Murallo brought the song to life visually, shooting the video right here in Townsville”
The music video launches March 8 at The Women’s Society’s International Women’s Day event at Levanti, Palmer St, South Townsville.
Joy said Superwoman was more than just a song, it was a spiritual declaration, rooted in Philippians 4:13: ”I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”.
“This song is about speaking life over ourselves, breaking free from limitations, and embracing the strength within us.
“It’s a call to reject negativity, fear, and doubt, and instead declare our true identity, rooted in God’s truth. It’s a song for anyone facing challenges, reminding them that they have the power to rise, to push through, and to overcome.”
Joy’s personal evolution is deeply embedded in her work on “Superwoman.”
Growing up as a daughter of a preacher brought its own challenges and expectations.
The pressure she faced led to self-doubt until she decided to turn those experiences into art.
“The turning point for me was getting tired of believing the labels others placed on me,” she said, explaining that embracing her true self was essential for overcoming external judgments and expectations.
“Superwoman became my personal anthem - a declaration of the strength and resilience I had developed over the years.
“The song reflects my journey of overcoming self-doubt and societal expectations, as well as embracing the power within me to rise above it all.”
Joy’s collaboration with local women for her music video is an inspiring testament to sisterhood and shared strength.
She describes these women as “everyday heroes” whose energy and dedication brought the project to life.
“These women are mothers, business owners, students, professionals, and leaders in their communities. They are everyday heroes, exuding grace and embodying nurturing qualities that I admire. Their commitment to their roles and their families is nothing short of inspiring. I believe they represent the very spirit of Townsville, as they pour so much of themselves into their work and their communities, and they deserve to be celebrated.”
Their commitment, seen in the early morning shoots and enthusiastic involvement, emphasises the power of community.
“They were true warriors in their own right.”
‘Superwoman’ has already had a deep impact on the community.
The song has had a remarkable impact on those who hear it, inspiring listeners to reconnect with their passions and push through life’s hurdles.
Joy recalls moments where ‘Superwoman’ resonated deeply, such as at the Sensational Girl’s Choose Hope event.
At the Choose Hope event, a woman’s tears and gratitude highlighted the healing power of the song.
“After I performed, a woman approached me and gave me a hug that lasted for over three minutes. She sobbed in my arms, and in that moment, it felt as though the song had truly made her feel seen. It was as if Superwoman had helped her find some much-needed closure to her past.
“The women of Townsville, especially those from the events, were absolutely keen on the song and encouraged me to release it on Spotify and other digital platforms.
“Their support gave me the nudge I needed to step into the studio and bring this vision to life. I’m incredibly thankful to them for making this possible and helping me share the song with a wider audience.”
Joy said it was so rewarding to see the song uplift people’s self-esteem, boost their confidence, and shift their moods from deflated to uplifted, defeated to empowered, hopeless to hopeful.
“The impact has been like a surge of power, and I’m incredibly grateful that ‘Superwoman’ is making the difference I hoped for.
“I’m absolutely stoked for what’s next. My hope is that ‘Superwoman’ continues to empower the people of Townsville and ultimately reaches a global audience.
“I truly believe this anthem has the potential to put Townsville on the world map.”
Joy has big plans for the future. She is developing the Superwoman Community and Empower Her Program to inspire young women and address social issues such as domestic violence.
Her vision includes creating a network of empowered women who contribute positively to their communities.
“The Superwoman Community will provide a safe and supportive space for women to connect, share their stories, and uplift each other on their personal growth journeys.
“The Empower Her Program is designed to guide young women in Townsville and will help them build resourcefulness and confidence, enabling them to make positive choices and contribute to the well-being and safety of the community.
“Through mentorship and support, I aim to inspire the next generation to lead with resilience and strength.”
Joy is also developing a program specifically to support women in domestic violence situations, helping them heal and thrive.
“Having experienced the impact of such situations firsthand, I’m dedicated to providing resources and tools that will guide women through their recovery, helping them rediscover their strength and rebuild their confidence.
“This initiative is part of my ongoing commitment to helping women reclaim their worth and move forward toward a fulfilling life. Each of these projects is about creating a sense of community and empowerment, where women can support one another and grow together.
Joy is also excited for the upcoming release of The Superwoman Book, which will highlight inspiring stories of women who have faced challenges and found strength in their resilience.
The book is a collection of real-life experiences that remind us al that there’s a Superwoman, and a Superman, in each of us. “These stories will inspire, empower, and encourage you to tap into your inner strength, no matter what life throws your way.
“This book isn’t just about reading—it’s about feeling connected to a community, drawing strength from the women who have come before you, and realizing that you have everything you need to be the hero of your own story.”
Originally published as Joy Okobi: an empowering force
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