Joy Crookes

Joy Elizabeth Akther Crookes is a British singer-songwriter known for her soulful voice and introspective songwriting that blends R&B, jazz, and pop influences. Born in South London, she draws heavily from her multicultural heritage of Bengali, English, and Irish descent to explore themes of cultural identity, self-reliance, and romantic vulnerability in her work.

As of 2026, she stands as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary UK music. Her debut album Skin reached number five on the UK Albums Chart and earned a Mercury Prize nomination, while her second record Juniper further cemented her reputation for emotional depth. She recently expanded her artistic reach with high-profile collaborations featuring Denzel Curry and Bonobo, alongside a surprise acting debut in the film Ish. [edit]

Raised in South London, Joy grew up surrounded by a rich tapestry of cultures that would later define her musical perspective. Her father is of Bengali descent and her mother is of English and Irish heritage, a background she frequently weaves into her lyrics to discuss belonging and personal history. This diverse upbringing took place away from the spotlight, allowing her to develop a unique sound before stepping into the public eye.

Her formal training began at the BRIT School for Performing Arts and Technology in Croydon, an institution famous for launching the careers of Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Sam Smith. It was during her time there that she seriously committed to songwriting, blending classical vocal techniques with modern urban rhythms. Before her breakthrough, she honed her craft by performing at local London venues and posting cover versions on social media, slowly building a grassroots following that appreciated her mature vocal control and authentic style. [edit]

Crookes first announced her arrival on the scene in 2017 with her debut EP Skin, which immediately garnered critical praise for its sophisticated songwriting. She followed this with two more releases, including The Skin Sessions, establishing herself as a rising talent within the UK soul community. By early 2020, her momentum had caught the industry's attention when she secured fourth place in the BBC's prestigious "Sound of 2020" poll and received a Rising Star Award nomination at the Brit Awards.

The release of her debut studio album Skin on October 22, 2021, marked a major turning point. The project reached number five on the UK Albums Chart and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize, earning her nominations for Best New Artist and Best Pop/R&B Act at the 2022 Brit Awards. Following this success, she embarked on extensive touring across the UK, Europe, and North America, selling out venues and cultivating a dedicated international fanbase.

In September 2025, she released her second studio album Juniper, which met with universal acclaim and solidified her status as a leading voice in modern R&B. Around the same time, she made her acting debut in the film Ish. Her career continued to evolve in 2026 with bold stylistic shifts; she performed live at Park West in Chicago in April, contributed vocals to Bonobo's single "Always on Your Side" in August, and released the hard-hitting track "Painkiller" featuring Denzel Curry in September, expanding her reach into hip-hop circles. [edit]

Crookes projects an image of authenticity and intelligence, characterized by a calm yet confident demeanor. Her fashion sense often blends vintage glamour with modern edge, favoring tailored suits and bold colors that reflect her South London origins and eclectic musical tastes. On social media, she engages with fans through thoughtful captions and behind-the-scenes glimpses of her creative process, avoiding the typical celebrity hype in favor of genuine connection. Her public persona is defined by a commitment to artistic integrity and a willingness to experiment with different genres. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While she enjoys significant popularity in the UK and growing recognition internationally, no official global ranking has been published by the iFANN engine as of September 2026. Her presence is felt strongly through consistent chart performance, sold-out tours, and high streaming numbers on platforms like Spotify.

Her fanbase is highly engaged but does not have a formal collective name like "Swifties" or "Beyhive." Followers typically refer to themselves simply as fans or by referencing her album titles such as "Skin lovers." They are known for organizing streaming parties for her releases and creating visual art inspired by her aesthetic. The community actively supports her genre experiments, particularly reacting positively to her recent collaborations with artists like Denzel Curry and Bonobo, showing a deep appreciation for her versatility beyond traditional R&B boundaries. [edit]

Her middle name, Akther, is of Arabic origin and reflects her father's Bengali heritage. Fans often quote her Instagram bio phrase "keeping joy happy to prevent irony," which has become a signature motto among her followers. While her songs like "Skin" and "Carmen" are widely speculated to be about real-life romances, she has stated in interviews that her music serves primarily as therapy and self-reflection rather than a direct diary of specific dating events. Her collaboration with Denzel Curry on "Painkiller" was described by critics as a surprising yet seamless blend of soulful vocals and aggressive rap flow, marking a distinct genre-bending moment in her discography. [edit]

Joy comes from a close-knit family with a strong connection to her roots. Her father is of Bengali descent and her mother is of English and Irish ancestry, a mix that deeply informs the lyrical content of her albums regarding identity and belonging. She attended the BRIT School where she formed early creative bonds with peers who would also go on to successful music careers. As of 2026, she maintains a private life and has not publicly shared details about her current household or pets, focusing instead on her professional growth and creative output. [edit]

Denzel Curry, Bonobo, Ravyn Lenae, Partizan. [edit]

Joy Crookes maintains a relatively private personal life, keeping her romantic relationships out of the public eye despite the frequent exploration of love and heartbreak in her songwriting. Public records and interviews do not confirm any marriages, engagements, or long-term cohabitations with named partners. While fans often speculate about the inspirations behind hits like "Skin" or "Carmen," she has not publicly identified specific individuals in chronological order. In interviews, she has clarified that her music serves as a form of therapy and self-reflection rather than a direct diary of specific dating events.

As of 2026, Joy Crookes is single. There are no verified reports of past marriages or serious public entanglements that have been documented by credible sources. Her focus remains on professional growth and creative exploration, evidenced by her recent high-profile collaborations with artists like Denzel Curry and Bonobo. Any rumors regarding her relationship status remain unconfirmed speculation without factual basis. [edit]

Research by the iFANN Editorial Team puts Joy Crookes' fortune at around $2 million as of 2026. This estimate is derived from her steady commercial trajectory since breaking into the mainstream in 2020. Her primary income streams include ticket sales from sold-out world tours spanning 2022 to 2026, streaming revenue from over 6.3 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and royalties from her platinum-certified debut album Skin.

Additional earnings come from sync licensing deals for her emotive tracks and brand partnerships that align with her authentic image. The 2026 release of "Painkiller" featuring Denzel Curry likely provided a substantial one-off fee and significantly boosted her streaming velocity. Unlike established superstars with massive estates, her wealth is currently concentrated in active music production, touring, and digital rights management, reflecting her status as a rapidly rising star in her late twenties. [edit]

While Joy Crookes has not yet won major global awards like Grammys or Oscars, her career is marked by significant nominations that validate her talent. She was nominated for the Rising Star Award at the 2020 Brit Awards and received a Mercury Prize shortlist for her debut album Skin in 2021. In 2022, she earned nominations for both Best New Artist and Best Pop/R&B Act at the Brit Awards, highlighting her rapid rise in the industry. [edit]