Tanzanian musician and seasoned talent manager Joel Vicent Joseph has officially turned a new page in his artistic journey; shedding the moniker Mr Puaz and stepping fully into the spotlight as Mr Joel, with fresh music and regional ambitions to match.
The rebrand comes with the release of Afro Jungle, a four-track EP that signals Joel’s bold arrival as a recording artist. Released under Puaz Music, the project is a confident, tightly curated body of work that blends raw African rhythm with modern sonic polish.
More than just a debut EP, Afro Jungle is an immersive experience. It leans heavily on African percussion, emotional storytelling and warm contemporary textures, creating a sound that feels both deeply rooted and globally mobile. Rather than chasing popular trends, Mr Joel carves his own lane, offering music that feels intentional, fearless and authentic.
Described as a project that “fuses African rhythms with modern production to create an immersive listening experience,” the EP showcases an artist unafraid to experiment; and even more determined to fully own his sound.
Speaking on his next steps, Mr Joel says he plans to push the project aggressively across the region and beyond, with Nairobi firmly on his radar.
“I will be promoting the EP everywhere and might come to Nairobi for the same, using the networks I built during my time as a talent manager,” he said.
That background gives his transition into music a unique edge. Born in Arusha, Tanzania, Joel’s musical journey was shaped early by East Africa’s rich rhythms and storytelling traditions.
However, long before taking centre stage as an artist, he built a respected career behind the scenes, managing and shaping the careers of some of East Africa’s biggest entertainment names.
Those years, he says, offered invaluable lessons in artist development, branding, sound direction and understanding the global music market; insights that now directly influence his creative output.
Today, Mr Joel’s sound sits at the intersection of Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, Amapiano and contemporary world music, marked by expressive vocals, cinematic layers and emotionally rich themes. His music explores love, identity, cultural pride, spirituality and personal transformation, all while remaining firmly anchored in African heritage.