A retired school teacher who has since swapped her day job educating kids for spitting bars as Wigan’s hardest and arguably ‘the world’s oldest battle rapper’ is the subject of a new documentary.
If you’ve never heard of this lady before, we appreciate that it can feel like there’s so much to take in here that it’s hard to know where to start.
Meet Joy France, the 66-year-old granny from Greater Manchester and ex-primary school teacher who, after retiring a few years back, decided to channel her love of poetry and the spoken word into a new hobby: rap battling. And believe us, while she might look like a harmless older lady, this girl goes in.
In fact, we’ve had the great honour of watching her roast people right in front of us before:
Now a few years into her rap career after first making her debut at a club in Coventry back in 2018, Joy has grown a real cult following and has become a familiar face both online and in the world of hip-hop — seriously, she’s got a serious reputation.
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So much so, it turns out, that the lyrical local lass who regularly performs in Afflecks is now the subject of a documentary called Joy Uncensored, which tracks her journey from teacher to retired rap star.
The short film, made by Northern Heart Films, directed by Natasha Hawthornthwaite and the subject of multiple award wins and nominations over the two years, finally premiered on YouTube earlier this month and it’s great.
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Giving an insight into her incredible journey and a very different world in the shape of the rap battle scene (believe us, they don’t go easy on her) over the course of an easy 15-minute run-time, it’s fitting that the central character is called what she is because it’s genuinely a joy to watch.
Having been admittedly a fairly quiet, reserved and very rarely creative person until her 50s, the mini-doc serves as a great reminder to push yourself out of your comfort zone and never be afraid to try something new, no matter what age you are.
On top of her wrapping, Joy is now said to be learning how to DJ as well and on top of recognising what this new challenge has given her, she’s encouraging others to ignore that doubtful little voice in the back of their head and instead, to just “get on with it and enjoy for the rest of your life.”
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Now that’s a message we can get right behind.
You can watch the full Joy Uncensored documentary down below:
We have a new favourite rapper and her name is Joy France.
Oasis’ Wonderwall on the brink of becoming UK number one for first time ever 30 years after initial release
Emily Sergeant
Could Wonderwall FINALLY become UK number one for the first time ever?
England may no longer be in the running to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being knocked out in the Semi Finals by Argentina, who claimed a 2-1 win when the two teams faced off in Atlanta on Wednesday night (15 July), but it looks like that hasn’t harmed Wonderwall’s trajectory to the top of the Official UK Charts.
Oasis’ most-streamed song of all time – and arguably their most famous – is currently sitting right at the top of Spotify’s Global charts, meaning it is in the race to become the official UK number one later today.
Despite the fact it never reached number one when it was first released back in 1996 as part of the band’s second studio album, (What’s The Story) Morning Glory?, the song has always had such cultural significance here in Manchester.
But after being adopted by the fans of the England men’s national football team during this World Cup, and belted out after every Three Lions victory this tournament, the song has taken on a whole new life.
Wonderwall was described at the time by the band’s lead guitarist and songwriter, Noel Gallagher, as being about ‘an imaginary friend who’s gonna come and save you from yourself’ – with the song’s title inspired by George Harrison’s solo album Wonderwall Music.
Sure, it has nothing to do with football (but neither did Sweet Caroline, let’s be real), but it’s an absolute anthem and one that’s become a symbol this year for the belief that football may have just been coming home after 60 years.
Win or lose, Wonderwall remains.
Unfortunately, while Wonderwall is in pole position as it stands, it’s up against some fierce footballing competition with the likes of Baddiel, Skinner & Lightning Seeds’ enduring anthem, Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home), hot on its heals.
Standing between both of them – and chart glory – is, of course, Sam Fender and Olivia Dean’s record-breaking duet, Rein Me In, which looks to retain the top spot as it eyes a 17th non-consecutive week at the summit.
It’s also expected that The Beatles’ iconic 1968 hit, Hey Jude, will also find its way into the Top 40 in honour of the tournament’s star player Jude Bellingham.
So, will Wonderwall reign supreme then? Will the Gallagher brothers have another reason to celebrate tonight after the success of last year’s historic Oasis Live ’25 reunion tour? We’ll have to wait and see.
You can tune into the Official Chart Show on BBC Radio 1 from 4pm today.
JD to host exclusive Josh Baker set at massive World Cup watch party in Manchester
Danny Jones
JD x JB: The well-known British and Manchester-founded sports fashion brand is teaming up with local artist Josh Baker for an exclusive pop-up set at a massive World Cup screening in the city centre tonight.
The two Manchester icons are teaming up at an otherwise sold-out Castlefield Bowl, getting the matchday vibes going ahead of the England vs Argentina game this evening.
With all eyes on the semi-final, keeping nerves steady will be a tall task, but Baker will be helping play his part in getting the energy up ahead of kick-off.
No matter what happens with the scoreline, it’s set to be a proper party atmosphere beforehand.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Da0FDI3tp3I/?hl=en
Fresh off the plane from his White Isle residency over in Ibiza, the 30-year-old Manc musician will be taking to the stage from 6:15pm at none other than Castlefield Bowl, where nearly 9,000 people will be watching the big game.
In case you missed it, after wrapping up Sounds of the City ’26, the Bowl is now being taken over for Road to Victory’s outdoor fan zone.
Doors will be open from 5:30pm ahead of the 8pm kick-off, and you’ll want to get down there with plenty of time to make sure you get a good view of the action – and by that, we mean both the game and Josh’s exciting set.
Better still, not only are those at the venue in for a night of amazing music and incredible vibes, but they’ll be cheering on Thomas Tuchel’s men straight after, in a crucial clash that could see England reach a second consecutive final in the last two major tournaments.
There’ll be plenty of entertainment before, during and after the breaks.
We will, of course, be keeping our fingers crossed for you and the boys tonight; the only thing we’re certain of is that the man himself will deliver on the night.
We had the honour of chatting with JB ahead of the BRITs back in February, and he’s only looking to bigger and better things this year.
For those looking to go along for this special one-off, once again, tickets to the event are already sold out, so your only chance is to sign up for the waiting list HERE. Fingers crossed for you and a result at full-time!
Last but not least, keep your eyes peeled on the JD Sports Instagram page and their other socials for all other updates ahead of the huge night. We can feel it: it’s coming home…
Danny Jones -
28th August 2023 
