INNOCENT
INNOCENT Born April 30th, 1960, in the rural village of Iringa,
Tanzania, East Africa, Innocent did not know his destiny was in reggae.
Not until he heard Bob Marley's "KAYA" album. Innocent was moved deeply
by this brother crying for the people. The powerful lyrics and messages
of truth and reality hit a chord for Innocent and he knew he must carry
forth what Bob Marley had started.
1989 brought Innocent to the United States where he formed the group
known as Les Exodus. This group earned a solid reputation touring the
Mid-west and West Coast. Everywhere they performed there were sell out
audiences and music that "brought the house down". Innocents voice is
favorable compared to the legendary Bob Marley, and combining that with
his powerful, original lyrics and compositions the group was in demand.
They opened for major artist such as Sugar Minot, Judy Mowatt, Sister
Carol, Wailing Souls, Freddy McGregor, The Wailers, Skatellites and
more.
In 1993, an independent label. Umoja Records and Innocent w/ Les Exodus
produced a CD. Kilimanjaro was released in April 1992 and the reviews
were overwhelming. All the tracks were original compositions and lyrics
by Innocent. Reggae Report Magazine voted "Kilimanjaro" as one of the
top 10 independent releases of 1993. The CD also recieved impressive
reviews from not only Reggae Report but also from "Beat" magazine. 1994
brought a nomination for Innocent as Best Male Vocalist and Les Exodus
as Best World Beat group by the Minnesota Music Academy.
Innocent is in the prime of his career. Through his music and lyrics he
hopes to bring people of all races and cultures together, to raise their
consciousness and have them stand together both spiritually and
physically. Even though great strides have been taken in breaking down
the barriers there is still a long road to travel.
Innocent gives thanks to Bob Marley, the Wailers, Peter Tosh, Jimmy
Cliff and Burning Spear for laying the ground work for all aspiring
artists.
Innocent is truely a revolutionary reggae soldier, and his vision is of
world peace, love, unity and for man to respect man. This current
project "Greetings From Africa" reflects this vision. Increasingly over
the years where music is concerned reggae has become the international
language. Innocent's "Greetings From Africa" (MMM) is an excellent case
in point.
Innocent is a good name for this singer/songwriter (his full moniker is
Innocent Mfalingundi): whether singing in Swahili or English, Innocent
conveys a sense of musical delight, a thoughtful state of mind, and a
serious intent to change the world in one broad stroke. Reggae, which
started in Jamaica, then gripped millions of people globally with a
fever that made it all their own, now belongs to the world.
Paul McGee
Pmcgee1423@aol.com