Dive into the world of Joesai — soulful reggae, big energy, and deep roots. Joesai brings heart, rhythm, and authenticity to every performance. Download press assets, stream music, watch videos, and get in touch. Explore below and get to know the artist behind the music.
BIG SOUND, BIGGER HEART.
The voice behind the vibe.
Press Photos
Approved images for media use — click to download high-res versions.
Artist Bio
The story behind the voice.
A teaspoon of love, a soulful voice, and a lifelong passion for reggae music.
Joesai’s musical journey began in his teens, chasing a dream and a living. He moved from his village in Lombok to the bustling streets of Bali, where he earned his first rupiah guarding motorbikes in tourist-packed Kuta. But music was always the mission.
In 1997, the now-iconic Apache Reggae Bar gave Joe his first shot on stage. Performing with his band Rhythm Voice, his raw, soulful voice captivated crowds night after night. Covering reggae legends like UB40, Big Mountain, and, of course, Bob Marley, Joe found both inspiration and his calling. His deep respect for Marley soon led him to write and compose his own music — including the now-beloved “Once Upon a Time in Gili Trawangan”, a tourist anthem that earned him fans from around the globe.
After the 2002 Bali bombing, Joe relocated to Jakarta, where he built a name across the city’s music scene — from smoky bars to festival stages, radio shows to TV spots. Eventually, he returned to his island roots, performing for years at the legendary Sama Sama Reggae Bar on Gili Trawangan. Among sunburnt backpackers, beach dogs, and turquoise waves, Joe’s voice became a staple of island life.
In 2018, a new chapter began in Zurich, Switzerland, where he co-founded the reggae-fusion band Jameleon. The group quickly earned a name for itself with energetic live shows at venues like Frau Gerolds Garten (Surfair), Lalaplatz Feston Langstrasse, and regular Saturday live sessions at Barfüsser Bar in Zurich’s Niederdorf. Jameleon gigs soon spread across Switzerland and into neighboring countries, with highlights including winter sessions in Laax, shows at Flösserplatz, Penny’s Farthing in Aarau, and a crowd-pleasing appearance at Werdinsel Openair 2023.
Whether performing with his full band, as a duo/trio, or solo with his guitar and loop station, Joesai adapts effortlessly to every stage — from intimate private events and hotel lobbies to small bars, bustling clubs and festival lineups. His flexibility is part of what makes him so bookable — and so memorable. No matter the format, his voice delivers warmth, rhythm, and soul in every note.
At the core of Joesai's music is his storytelling. Drawing inspiration from everyday life, island memories, and the people around him, he writes songs that are honest, grounded, and deeply human. Each one feels like a moment — captured and set to melody.
In 2021, Joesai released his first self-produced album, followed by three singles:
🎵 "No More" (2022)
🎵 "City Surfers Paradise" (2024)
🎵 "Every Other Night" (2024)
And JOESAi’s not slowing down — two more tracks are set to drop in the coming month.
Listen
A few tracks to get you vibing with Joesai’s sound.
Live & Studio
Live, raw, and in motion — Joesai in his element.
