Alton Edwards

  1. Home
  2. Wiki

Alton Edwards – Biography

Alton Edwards is a Zimbabwean-born singer and songwriter whose career first took flight in the UK with the Top 20 hit “I Just Wanna (Spend Some Time with You)” in January 1982. The single marked his arrival on the international stage and established him as a distinctive voice in soul and pop music.

Beyond chart success, Edwards used his music to make a difference. He wrote and recorded “Thank You from Africa” — a heartfelt tribute to Western artists who supported famine relief in Ethiopia. The single raised funds for the International Red Cross and continues to receive airplay in Zimbabwe and other African countries as a symbol of gratitude and solidarity.

Music runs deep in Edwards’ family. He is the uncle of Warren Mills, known for hits like “Mickey’s Monkey” and “Sunshine” on Zomba / Jive Records, and a cousin of Rozalla, the internationally acclaimed artist behind “Everybody’s Free” and “Are You Ready to Fly.”

Edwards has shared stages worldwide with some of the biggest names in music, including Betty Wright (“Clean Up Woman”), soul legend Isaac Hayes, and reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, as well as Angelo Starr (brother of Edwin Starr) and R&B star Alexander O’Neal. His performances showcase not only his vocal power but also his ability to connect across genres and audiences.

Still a dynamic performer, Edwards remains active on the UK live circuit, bringing energy, passion, and decades of experience to every stage he graces. In 2011, he also appeared as himself in the critically acclaimed documentary Dreams of a Life, further cementing his place in the evolving story of British and African music.

Discography

[edit]

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Peak chart positions
US Dance
[1] 		US R&B
[1] 		UK
[2][3]
1981 "I Just Wanna (Spend Some Time with You)" 66 75 20
1982 "Strange Woman" ― ― ―
"Shining Light" ― ― ―
1983 "Take Me" ― ― ―
1984 "Everybody's Watching" ― ― ―
"—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that territory.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b "Alton Edwards Songs • Top Songs / Chart Singles Discography • Music VF, US & UK hits charts". Music VF. Retrieved 28 January 2018.
  2. ^ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 179. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  3. ^ "ALTON EDWARDS - full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
[edit]
Stub icon

This Zimbabwean biographical article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.

Stub icon

This article on an African singer is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.