CJ Joe

International Japanese Reggae Singer” “Out of the Fareast” CJ Joe

CJ Joe has performed in Japan,Jamaica,United States,Canada,UK & Europe throughout his career. CJ Joe is Japan’s only few Reggae International artist. He sings of course in Japanese as well as English & Jamaican Patois.Strictly influenced by Bob Marley,Garnet Silk and Dennis Brown. His past history goes way back from 1993 releasing various Jp Reggae singles & full albums to compilation album’s in Japan.

CJ Joe in his past has opened up for various superstars in Japan, Jamaica, US, UK &EU. CJ Joe also represents building the bridges for Japan and to the world. Highlight performances were starting off his first time expierence back in 1998 with “Sugar Minott”, Twin Sounds(BK) in Harlem New York City. 5yrs later in Jamaica for the “Garnet Silk Tribute” 2003. Continuing his performances as front act artist for “Glen Washington” in Ft. Lauderdale(Miami). In 2006 December CJ Joe opened up for “BUJU BANTON” “Drive A US Tour”w/ Iwayne,Guidance etc in New York City. Other front acts in Japan Include Icons Such as Johnny Osbourne,Yami Bolo,Brigadier Jerry ,Admiral Tibet,Everton Blender, Inner Circle, Rankin Joe . Ever since his 2016 debut for the International market he is more than ready to expose himself to the world.

Interview by Tim Brown

When and why did you start playing? I started my music at a talent show singing a simple song “Everyone Needs a Friend” on a acoustic
guitar. Simple two chords. Slightly after joined a group (sound system in Reggae) with some schoolmates.
Prefer not to mention the name but they are famous worldwide now.

Which famous musicians do you admire? Why? Bob Marley, Dennis Brown, Garnet Silk,Marvin Gaye & Michael Jackson. Because there music still lives on. Meaning there music has quality and a message
that helped many till this day. Their music never dies. I try to also make quality music.

Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones? Yes alot of the Albums and Tapes especially from the late 80s & 90s (Billboard). Back then I listened to Rock & Hip Hop Albums from Bryan Adams , Aerosmith, Def Leopard, Jackson Five, Run DMC, Public Enemy &Bobby Brown. Basically Rock RB Hip Hop. I cant choose there are many favorites!

Have you been in competitions? Fleadh’s? Any prizes? I was nominated last year for the “Bright Star Awards” in the UK as “Best International Artist” once.

Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV. Yes I have opened up for many Icons (reggae) and Reggae festivals in Japan of course as well as the US, Europe & the Philippines. Media wise back in the days
I was on TV Radio stations magazines in Japan. Recently my music has been playing all over the world I would say. Getting alot of play wich is very nice.

What makes this kind of music “good” to you? Reggae Music connects me to alot of good people around the world. Basically Music does link us worldwide but as for me it helped me to stay focused and made me a much better person. Not only Reggae but the lifestyles of Rasta “A Way Of Life”. One Love etc.

Let’s Talk about your music and your last work… My recent new single has just been released in May 2019 produced by “Sam Gilly” from House of Riddim. Its called “Never Ever” simply meaning Dont Give Up! Ive been doing this now for 30 years. Started from Japan travelled and lived abroad for my dreams once in US Canada Jamaica years back but things didn’t work out though I had some success but not good enough. I guess it wasn’t my time. Recently from 2016 Ive started from scratch releasing constant singles to build my first “International Album” that I hope to release soon. This song has alot of those feelings that I went through even till this day. Defiantly a strong message to inspire those people who went through the struggles in life. Especially we say in a Japanese (proverb) Fall 7 times Stand up 8 (七転び八起き).

How do you feel about the internet in the music business? The internet music business has opened artists like me to be heard all over the world. I come from the Old School days though I am a New School. Back then
there was no social media so there was no info to know about Reggae. I would have to go take a plane to Jamaica in the 90s to really check out what was going on and
study. Business of course now on the internet makes it easier to contact and make collaborations so I would say in that sense I think k its very positive for us artists and musicians especially who are professional.

What are the plans for the future? My plans for the future is to release my first “International Album” and go on tour as much as I can to promote it. Music Videos as well. I think this year for me in 2019 is to build myself releasing many singles and my name and to build my proper foundation. I have a couple of shows coming this summer but definitely I can see 2020 will be the year for me.

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/cjjoefareast/

Official Website https://www.cjjoefareast.com

Contact For Bookings:
Fareast SoulJah Music /Touchroad

Email: fareastsouljahmusic@gmail.com via contact@touchroad.de

Website: http:// www.touchroad.de

Road Management (For Africa)
Darkroom Ent.GH
dre233tv@gmail.com

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