Urban Island Artist Josh “WaWa” White is in the territory, getting ready for his 'Jammin' on da Rock' concert slated for Saturday, June 1, 2013 at the Lee Auditorium. WaWa will be performing along side the Common Kings, and singer Tenelle who are currently performing for the 51st Independence Celebration, in Samoa. 

Wawa, who arrived in the territory on Monday, is accompanied by his older brother and manager, Abe White. The brothers come from a family of Tongan and Caucasian descent, and were born and raised in Glendale, Utah. WaWa currently lives in West Valley City, UT.

He's the artist behind the hit album, “Line 'em Up” released last year April, and not long after that, his music caught the attention of numerous fans. He has since performed over 50 concerts, all over the US Mainland and Hawai’i and is here for the first time in American Samoa along with Common Kings, and Tenelle.

His journey in the music business has been a difficult one, however with the strong support of his parents Penina and David White, his wife Latoya, his manager and older brother Abe, his four sisters, two brothers, extended family and friends —not to mention his many fans— Wawa has transformed his passion for music into reggae jamming.

In an interview with Samoa News, Wawa said they come from a strong family and they have their mother, Penina, to thank for that, because family is always a strong force of influence in their family.

At the age of 18, he started off as a rapper and then switched to reggae music when he realized that 'rap was not for him'. WaWa’s Manager told Samoa News they would have Josh sing during “jam sessions” and it was there WaWa developed his love for music and his own special way of presenting music.

“He’s different from all the artists in the way he presents his music — he’s unique,” said Abe.

Josh was also into sports — he got involved in track and field and by his senior year he was ranked 9th in the nation in hurdles. He was a state champion with less than a second from breaking the state record and was recruited from schools across the nation. Josh did not pursue his track career, and instead, went into music.

Asked how he got his name 'WaWa', he said that was his response whenever someone asked him his name when he was growing up. Samoa News understands that Josh's father is in law enforcement, and his mother in a related field (Corrections). Josh said after a few slip ups with the law, he was sent to live with his brother and father.

WaWa pointed out that his music is a combination of reggae and hip-hop and his songs “Love Da Way” (featuring Bill’z) and “I Think I’m Wrong” (featuring the What It Do’s very own Leta Fau’olo) have already gotten over 100,000 hits on YouTube. Josh said his first album released in April 2012 named “Line em Up” had 17 tracks and the album spread all over the US and Pacific Islands within a few months, which has since given him numerous concert dates.

He told Samoa News his first album was dedicated to his grandmother, Fetai Vatuvei who has since passed away. Josh’s second album will be launched this coming August; called Hook Book. He plans on performing one of the songs off the album as a treat to the many fans of WaWa on island.

The songs on both albums were written by Josh who said it was about his take on life and his passion for music. Josh is forever thankful for the endless love and support of his family, fans and supporters. It is his wish to bring his daughter Penina back to American Samoa when he returns, which he says he will do.

The concert on Saturday also features local singer "Ice Cream Man", and doors open at 6pm. It's a "casual dress code- all age event" whose major sponsor, McDonald's, wants you to be "lovin' it".

Other local sponsors are listed in today's ad in Samoa News; WaWa says he is grateful to each and every one of them.