An Interview with Karl Wolf: From “Africa” to Authenticity

Back in August, Canadian-Lebanese singer, songwriter, and producer Karl Wolf stopped by St. John’s for a performance at The Bamboo Room. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it out to the show myself, but thanks to a friend who connected with Karl, I was still able to send over a few questions for him to answer. Even in a short exchange, Karl opened up about his journey in music—from blending his Middle Eastern roots into North American pop, to navigating the ever-changing industry while staying true to himself, to the career-defining moment of reimagining Toto’s “Africa.”

he has been a force in Canadian music for nearly two decades, earning recognition not only for his solo career but also for his collaborations with international stars and his ability to adapt and innovate without losing his essence. Our chat touched on how his sound has evolved, his love for live shows, and some of the unforgettable moments that have shaped his path. :Here’s what he had to share:

interview with karl

Alyssa (A) - How has your sound evolved since your first album?

Karl (K)- When I first started, I was really experimenting with my Middle Eastern roots, blending East and West to create something fresh for North America. My earlier sound was all about that fusion. Then, with the release of “Africa,” a second wave of inspiration came

Alyssa (A) - What do you find most rewarding about performing live?

Karl (K)-The most rewarding part of performing live is the direct connection with the audience. I always prefer using stage monitors instead of in-ear monitors because I want to feel the crowd’s energy and really interact with them. It turns the show into a true party that we all share together.

Alyssa (A) -How do you stay authentic in an industry that’s always changing?

Karl (K)-I think the key is to embrace your uniqueness and not try to mimic what’s already out there. It’s important to be aware of trends and read the room, but always put your own spin on things. Being true to yourself is the foundation.

Alyssa (A) - Can you share a memorable moment from your career?

Karl (K)- One unforgettable moment was during the Akon tour in 2009 in Vancouver. I broke my foot during the first song, and I still had 20 minutes left to perform. My DJ didn’t know, so I had to keep going until the end. Once I finished, I went straight to the emergency room. Another amazing highlight was performing with Kelly Rowland in Dubai for a crowd of 10,000 to 15,000 people.

Alyssa (A) -If you weren’t in the music industry, what would you be doing?

Karl (K)- I’d probably be involved in entertainment law or something related to the industry. I love the idea of having that edge on the information side and helping others navigate the business. I’m already doing a bit of that now, so I think I’d still be in this realm.

Alyssa (A) -What inspired you to re-record “Africa,” and how did that impact your career?

Karl (K)- I first heard “Africa” by Toto when I was 10, and it was life-changing for me. Fast forward to 2007-2008, I spent two years securing the rights from Toto and re-recording it multiple times. I eventually owned the masters, and it became a massive hit, reaching number one in many countries and selling millions in Japan. It definitely propelled my career forward.

Karl Wolf’s journey shows just how powerful authenticity, resilience, and passion can be in music. From breaking his foot mid-performance to turning a childhood love of “Africa” into a worldwide success, Karl continues to push boundaries while connecting with audiences everywhere.

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