HARARE – American R&B singer and guitarist Joe Thomas, a 7 time Grammy Award nominee, will be back in Zimbabwe performing at the Harare Sports Club on 12 August.
Promoter Walter Wanyanya of Ngoma Ne Hosho Trust said: “This is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Joe Thomas is ready to give Zimbabwe a show to remember: soulful, powerful, and unforgettable.
“Get your tickets early, come with your loved ones, and let’s make history together on August 12th at Old Hararians Sports Club. You don’t want to miss this night.”
Joe has performed in Zimbabwe before.
Born in 1973 he released his first music in 1992 as a 19 year old. His album “All that I am” placed him on the world map solidly before a rich catalogue followed.
Joe Thomas is not Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds the most successful R n B writer and producer. He is not R Kelly the writer of beautiful melodies with a pitch perfect voice.
But his sultry voice earnest, compositions, memorable verses and melodies are something in between resulting in albums like “My name is Joe” songs like “No one else comes close” “I don’t wanna be a player no more” “All the things your man won’t do” or his breakthrough signature hit “Why are all good girls taken all the time.”
Wanyanya said: “We’ve always believed Zimbabwe deserves to be on the map for world-class performances. Joe Thomas is an R&B legend whose music defined an era, and there’s been a huge demand from local fans to see him live.
“Right now felt like the perfect moment — people are hungry for uplifting experiences, and bringing Joe Thomas is a way of giving Zimbabwe a world-class show and reminding the world of our vibrant entertainment scene.”
All genres of music are an acquired taste. But Wanyanya said: “Joe’s music is timeless because it’s rooted in emotion — love, relationships, and real human connection. Those themes never grow old.
“His soulful voice and storytelling ability resonate across generations, so whether you grew up with his classics or you’re discovering him now, his sound remains powerful and deeply relatable.”
“We began engaging with Joe’s team earlier this year, and from the start, they were excited about the idea of performing in Zimbabwe.
“It’s been months of planning, negotiating, and ensuring we could deliver an experience worthy of his name. The response from both sides has been incredibly positive, which tells us this is the right time.”
Videos on Youtube show a variety of settings at Joe Thomas’s shows. There are lively type singalongs and also more intimate settings in which Joe plays his wide collection of guitars with his acoustic heavy band that can have 3 guitarists and a bassist and percussion.
For connoisseurs of timeless music it’s a rare treat to find the later.
Wanyanya promised: “This will be a big production, but still designed to feel intimate. We’re putting together a high-quality stage, sound, and lighting setup, but we’re also making sure the environment feels personal — so fans connect deeply with the music.
“Our goal is to strike the perfect balance between spectacle and soul.”
Wanyanya grew up as a bassist. He was the last manager of the late Dr. Oliver Mtukudzi. So he would know about good music. He is also becoming a leading music festival organiser with corporate support.
He said: “Working with Tuku taught me the importance of professionalism, cultural authenticity, and audience connection. Music isn’t just entertainment — it’s an experience that can inspire and unite people.
“That’s the standard I carry into every show we produce: making sure the music feels authentic, the production is world-class, and the audience walks away with memories they’ll never forget.”
“Personally, it’s a dream come true. I grew up on Joe’s music, so this is as much about passion as it is about business.
“Professionally, it’s a milestone for our events company, proving that Zimbabwe can host global acts successfully. It’s a proud moment not just for me, but for the entire local music industry.”
“We believe strongly in showcasing our homegrown talent. We’re curating a lineup of top Zimbabwean artists who will set the stage before Joe Thomas performs. While collaborations are still being discussed, fans can definitely expect Zimbabwean talent to shine on the night.”
Asked about how he organised the show he said: “The biggest challenges were navigating the financial and logistical demands of hosting a global act. International concerts require significant investment and careful planning.
“We overcame these by building strong partnerships, engaging trusted sponsors, and leaning on our past experience from hosting major events like UB40 and the Jacaranda Music Festival.”
On how concerts like this impact Zimbabwe’s live music scene and cultural space Wanyanya said: “They raise the bar. When international stars perform here, it inspires local artists, excites audiences, and proves Zimbabwe can deliver world-class experiences.
“These shows also boost tourism, create jobs, and give our cultural space global recognition — making them much more than just entertainment.”
The Grammy society recognises multiple genres and is a democracy. To be nominated 7 times by people from many genres is not a joke. He has won other awards. But his Grammy nomination testify to a unique crossover appeal.
He has at least 13 albums.
Form is temporary but surely class is permanent.
He may bring sad memories of the good girls who were taken every time in our teen years and early 20s but looking back at the crowded 90s scene this one stands out as a solid musician with stories to tell with amazing variety.
