Joe Wailer
Itai Muzondo in Gweru
13 March 2017, GWERU – Little known back home, but with a big fan base and respect in the reggae genre abroad, Gweru’s own reggae sensation; Joe Wailer has expressed his intention to make a mark back home.
Speaking to TellZim News recently, soft-spoken Wailer said he is dedicating his upcoming album to local fans and has already lined up shows across the country.
“I have been more of an international artist who is little known back home. Our market has been international. Up until now, many locals think Joe Wailer is not Zimbabwean yet I reside here in Gweru. Shows are being arranged and I will reach all corners of Zimbabwe this year.
“When I got into music, I met a USA-based promoter; Theresa Kemp of Evolutionary Management and Music Promotions (EMMP) who marketed my music abroad. Since then, the focus was on building my international visibility but I am now coming to make a mark back home,” Wailer said.
The ‘Chant Down Babylon’ hit-maker revealed that the next album will be launched in Harare this month.
“This is my first project since 2015 and it is titled ‘The Solution’. The album has a message of peace and unity. I was motivated to work on it after seeing a series of demonstrations that swept the country last year. The aim is to advise that no nation can prosper on violence and without unity,” said Wailer.
Also known as Uncle Joe, Wailer has five albums to his name: Beautiful Zimbabwe (2004); Unite Africa (2005); Rise to Shine (2008); Not Afraid (2012) and Proud to be Rasta (2015).
He performed at the Marcus Garvey commemorations in Jamaica (2012), where he shared the stage with acclaimed reggae artists like Luciano, Morgan Heritage and Sizzla.
Wailer was also the only African to be included in the 2012 International Reggae album.topnews,local
