Hailing from Tanzania, Joel Lwaga is a gospel musician endeared for uplifting Christian music, the likes of Umenijua Kunifurahisha and Sitabaki Nilivyo.
His music showcases an unequivocal talent with a rich, melodious voice that resonates with the soul. With a great passion for quality and outstanding music, each composition is accurately crafted, and every sound and lyric are made into a perfect work of art that encourages and entertains.
However, what sets Joel’s music apart is its divine essence. His songs are well curated expressions of his encounter with God. His music takes the listeners to an impeccable space of worship where they are encouraged and receive healing.
Joel Lwaga’s bio
Joel grew up in Dar es Salaam, surrounded by Christian values from his parents who were pastors. He also spent some of his school-going years in Tabata and Njombe. For higher leaning, the artist pursued and earned a bachelor’s degree in Economics.
Joel is married to Peace Jopec, and they have a son named Ethan. They married in November 2020, and their son was born in March 2023. To celebrate their journey and Ethan’s first birthday, Joel expressed his gratitude in a song, “Inalipa,” featuring the sweetest guest appearance by his son.
In addition to being a musician, Joel is also a preacher. He has been invited to speak God’s word to different audiences in countries such as Burundi and Australia. Joel believes that musicians are preachers just that their mode of delivery is through music.
Musical Profile
As with most musicians, Joel began singing at a very young age. Being born in a Christian family, he was involved in the kids’ choir while in church. His outstanding skill was noted, leading to his advancement into the adult choir at a young age.
In addition, his father used to sing in choirs in the past, and his father’s family consisted of singers, which created a musical environment for him and his siblings. Therefore, this passion for music is shared as well among his siblings. His elder brother is a producer, and even the younger ones are involved in singing and playing instruments, such as the keyboard.
Later, Joel joined music groups in praise and worship, where he nurtured his talent. Among the groups he worked with were Next Level and Glorious Worship Team, which played crucial roles in his career as a gospel musician.
Afterward, Joel decided to go solo in creating his music, which proved to be an exciting and challenging journey. He had cleared campus and acquired his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics, and even had scholarships to pursue a Master’s degree in Economics in Japan. However, he was drawn to a career in music rather than advancing his degree.
While drawing strategy on how to go about his musical career, Joel Lwaga met Paul Clement, an outstanding gospel artist. They lived together and would get opportunities to perform in different settings. This was the beginning of Joel’s venture into a musical career. It was not an easy path, but definitely one that would pay off later.
Debut and Going Viral
Joel’s first song, ‘Unaweza’, was released in 2016. This song praises God, saying that He has never been defeated. However, unlike his next song, it did not attract a massive audience.
The song that put Joel’s name in every person’s mouth was ‘Sitabaki Nilivyo‘. Joel wrote this emotional and encouraging song during one of his most difficult moments in life. He was going through a period of hopelessness in his musical journey. While living and performing with Paul Clement, Paul began gaining popularity, while Joel felt held back in stagnation. Being aware of his skill and potential in making music, the lack of progress was devastating.
During this period, God reminded him of previous situations He had come through for him and how He would still work things out. Joel was encouraged not to complain or compare his life with others but to walk through it with faith since it was only for a moment.
After many tears, he recorded the song through his phone’s voice recorder and called his producer who was elated by the song. Afterward, the song went viral beyond what Joel Lwaga expected. For him, the song was an encouragement and an expression of his emotions.
Discography
Following Joel’s big break was ‘Yote Mema’, which was released a year after ‘Sitabaki Nilivyo’. It encourages praising God not only when things are good but also when challenges arise because everything works for good.
His other songs include ‘Umejua Kunifurahisha‘, released in 2018; ‘Mimi Ni Wa Juu‘, released in 2019; ‘Nafasi Nyingine’, released in 2019; and ‘Thamani’, released in 2020. ‘Trust’ is an extended play that was released in 2021, and ‘Good To Go’ was released in 2023. His latest song, ‘Wapi,’ was released in 2024.
Collabos and Awards
Joel has worked with various skilled and outstanding musicians in his musical journey, including Chris Shalom, a popular Nigerian musician famous for the song “My Beautifier.” Together, they wrote the song “Umejua Kunifurahisha”.
Joel has also worked with Boaz Danken, a Tanzanian gospel musician famous for many gospel songs, including Haufananishwi, Uongezeke Yesu, and Yesu Wastahili. Together, they sang the song “Ni Neema.”
Other collaborations include those with his friend Paul Clement in the song “Hatima” and Zoravo in the song “Wa Kutegemewa,” among other prominent musicians.
As proof of his excellence, Joel won the East Africa Male Artist of the Year 2019 award and the Maranatha Global Worship Music Awards Best Petition for his song “Sitabaki Nilivyo.”
Parting shot
Joel Lwaga goes big or goes home when it comes to recording songs. He invests in ensuring that his music meets the required standards of excellence. As he provides quality, he also delivers the gospel message and encouragement.