Innocent-Reggae from the motherland

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 settled in Minneapolis. He 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 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 and 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.

His nick-name is the African Bob Marley because he can do Bob Marley cover songs like few can. Those who have listened to his music and saw him perform say Innocent is up there with Alpha Blondy, representing Africa in the reggae world.

Click on the link below to listen to Innocent’s music. You can buy the CD or download MP3s.

http://cdbaby.com/cd/innocent06

INNOCENT PERFORMS FALLING RAIN-WATCH VIDEO

Innocent announces Roots Reggae Wednesdays

Minneapolis based roots reggae artist Innocent has announced that he will start playing at the Blue Nile every Wednesday. This will be a reunion of sorts as four of Innocent’s original band members (Chilli, Onesmo, Lance, Divo) will be joining him. According to Innocent, this will be a night of pure roots reggae featuring original songs mixed in with popular cover songs. In the early 2000’s Innocent and his band used to be a regular staple on the Twin cities reggae scene. The band played at the Five Corners Bar on the West Bank every Tuesday and frequently at the Red Sea. While he seemed to disappear from the local scene, he continued to perform in other states. Innocent is especially popular in Chicago. This last summer, he played several gigs at Wild Hare, a popular reggae club. Innocent has three CD’s and a string of unreleased songs. Read more about Innocent.

SAMPLE INNOCENT’S LOVE SONG
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BUY Innocents CD Shine Africa

Venue: Blue Nile 2027 E. Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, MN
Time: 10:00 pm to 2:00 am
Cover: $5:00