Innocent

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 Midwest and west coast. 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, 10 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 as the best world beat.

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.

Innocent released his third album, Shine Africa, in June of 2006 under Kilimanjaro Records. He continues to perform all over the United States.

INNOCENT PERFORMING “MAMA I’M COMING HOME” LIVE AT THE CABOOZE , MINNEAPOLIS

BUY INNOCENT’S CD SHINE AFRICA