The most loyal Reggae lovers know all about those heartwarming Glen Washington hits that never get old.
Like when the beloved Jamaican artiste carries listeners into a deep, contemplative world with his intense performance on Kindness For Weakness. Or when he serenades the ladies romantically on Strangers In The Night.
“In 1997, he released his debut album ‘Brother To Brother’… [and since then] fans and critics alike say there is not one bad song in his catalog,” Reggaeville, an all things Reggae website, reports.
So naturally, when the singer came into the country on October 1, fans and followers were on high alert.
“I’m looking forward to this one,” Washington said at a press briefing soon after his arrival.
“It’s truly going to be something else… something to remember for generations to come. The reason why I’ve come here this early is because too many promotions have been going on and the artistes don’t show up. Never let it be said that Glen Washington is a no-show.”
The 69-year-old Reggae icon is in Kenya for the Africa Bound Reggae Fest 2024, which will take place on October 19th at the KICC.
It is a highly anticipated fete, with organisers reporting that by October 10, half of all VIP and VVIP tickets have been sold out.
On Sunday, October 20th, he will perform at the PERAK Pamoja Festival at Nakuru Athletics Club Grounds in Nakuru City.
The festival is sponsored and organized by the Pubs, Entertainment, and Restaurant Association of Kenya (PERAK).
During his media tour, Washington has made interesting remarks; like, that he gave up smoking ‘the herb’ a while back.
“I used the substance a long time ago, but I stopped because I realized it was unnecessary. It was a matter of mind over matter, and one day I decided I didn’t need this anymore. At some point, I couldn’t get on stage without a spliff,” he told K24.
On another interview, he opened up about his career and creative process, noting that he has been doing music since 1972.
“My first song was written when I was 17 years old, and that’s when I recorded it… When I started out I wanted to be a policeman or a teacher. But growing up, I got involved with a talent competition. I didn’t even know that it would get this far, but I won. I won like crazy; first, second, third elimination, I was still winning.”
While rising through the ranks at the contest, he was tasked with writing his own song, and upon winning, the track was recorded.
The celebrated artiste will be having a meet and greet on Wednesday evening at a Nairobi nightclub.
“We want everyone to know that this is serious, because I’m already here,” Washington added at his press briefing.
“My band is coming in a couple of days, and we’ll be irie, we’ll be alright. Music that can touch the soul, music that everyone can full-joy, I won’t say enjoy, because it will never end. Music that can bring us all together, uniting the people in one unity and one love.”
