Justin Wellington
Justin Wellington (AKA JW-My Bestie), a multi- platinum artist hailing from Papua New Guinea (PNG), has swiftly ascended to the pinnacle of the global music scene in recent years. His magnetic charm, and distinct vocal stylings have captivated audiences across the Pacific islands and beyond, establishing him as a beloved figure in the hearts of countless fans. With a unique fusion of reggae-pop, R&B, dancehall, and island music, Justin's sound resonates with listeners worldwide, reflecting his diverse musical influences and life experiences.
In 2005, Justin made a remarkable debut with his album "Much Love," featuring the titular track and the dance floor favorite "I Wanna Give You Some Lovin'." This success was followed by his sophomore release, "JW," in 2008, which produced two chart-topping hits: the tender ballad "In Love With U" and the silky smooth dancehall track "Fire." Three years later, in 2011, Justin unveiled "Reign of Morobe," hailed as a "musical masterpiece" by critics. This album showcased his versatility with tracks like "Runaway," a spirited zouk/reggaeton number, "Island Girl," a modern reinterpretation of classic ballads, and "Your Love" (feat. Sharzy), a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother. The title track, "Rain of Morobe," featuring O-shen, depicted the elemental forces of the Papua New Guinean province, Morobe. Following the acclaim of "Reign of Morobe," Justin focused on releasing singles, collaborating with fellow artists and producers, and reinterpreting classic hits, leading to notable partnerships and successes. His collaboration with Whitcombe Media in Samoa produced hits like "Island Sound," while joining forces with PNG band Jokema resulted in fan favorites such as "Sugar Baby Darling" and "Long Way Back (To Your Heart)." Subsequently, Justin's endeavors took him to the Solomon Islands, where he crafted chart-topping hits like "Island Moon," a captivating reggae adaptation of Brooks & Dunn's "Neon Moon."
In 2017, Justin unveiled his rendition of “Iko Iko,” the iconic New Orleans Mardi Gras anthem. Though its initial impact took time to unfold, it eventually skyrocketed into a worldwide TikTok sensation, solidifying its place as Justin's defining track. Building upon this momentum, in 2021, Justin forged a partnership with Sony Music for the official commercial release of "Iko Iko." The results were staggering, with the song amassing hundreds of millions of views and streams, earning numerous platinum certifications, and clinching the top spot on charts in over half a dozen countries.
Throughout his career, Justin's evolution as an artist has been marked by innovation and talent, delighting audiences with sold-out performances from Indonesia to the United States. With a catalog brimming with hits, JW epitomizes the phrase "all killer, no filler," promising listeners an enduring legacy of music that inspires love, joy, unity, dancing, nostalgia, and pure enjoyment for years to come.
