Album Notes

Innocent was born and raised in Tanzania, East Africa. While in Tanzania, he performed with various African bands but it wasn't until he heard Bob Marley's album KAYA that he realized his destiny was Reggae. The message was just too powerful and he instantly realized that he could use Reggae to convey his own message but in a very African way. In 1989, Innocent moved to the United States and formed the group Les Exodus and quickly earned a name touring the United States. Les Exodus opened for famous acts such as The Wailers, Judy Mowatt, Sister Carol, Wailing Souls and more.

Kilimanjaro, a ten-track CD with all original compositions was Innocent and Les Exodus' first CD. Released in 1993, the CD received amazingly positive reviews. Reggae Report magazine voted Kilimanjaro one of the top ten independent releases of 1993 and Beat magazine gave impressive reviews. That same year the Minnesota Music academy voted Innocent Minnesota's best male vocalist and Les Exodus the best world beat band.

In 1996, Innocent released his first solo album Greetings from Africa. His first single Sote Ni Ndugu not only became the first Reggae song to claim the number one spot on Radio Tanzania but also stayed there for 8 weeks. Most of Innocent's songs are in English but he also sings in Swahili, his native language. Equipped with thought-provoking lyrics, a raspy voice, a guitar and a captivating stage presence, Innocent puts up quite an electrifying performance.

Shine Africa is Innocent's third album. This album, done in English and Swahili, is dedicated to African freedom fighters. Nelson Mandela, Nkruma, Azikiwe, Lumumba, Nyerere, Kenyatta, and many more. Winnie Mandela and all the African women fighters who don’t always get their due credit. Dedan Kimathi and the dreadlocked Mau Mau freedom fighters of Kenya, who fought the British with home made weapons and brought independence to Kenya, hope to a continent and inspiration to the Rasta movement.

Because of these heroes, slavery, colonialism and apartheid are now a thing of the past. It is time for Africa to shine. Shine Africa shine.