By Blanca Morales - Florida Catholic
Photographer: BLANCA MORALES | FC
Although he has played all over the world, Zander attended high school in South Florida and says living in Miami has influenced much of his music, particularly through Caribbean culture.
MIAMI | If you’ve attended youth and young adult events in the Archdiocese of Miami lately, you may have noticed a young man in long, blond dreads playing a ukulele.
Zander, as he is known in the music industry, is a pop/reggae artist who is trading in the ways of the world to share God’s message through his music. He has opened for artists such as Train, Ziggy Marley and Fall Out Boy, among others. Just last year, he toured the country with The Wailers.
He has lived all over the world, including South Florida, where he attended high school. Living in Miami has influenced much of his music, particularly through Caribbean culture. His fan base, however, is international. Throughout the years, Zander gained a diverse following from shows in South America and Australia.
A glimpse at his brand reveals music videos and social media accounts bursting with sunshine and surfing. Yet that idyllic lifestyle proved to be an illusion. “The world is becoming a gnarlier place. The music world is becoming darker,” he said.
Photographer: BLANCA MORALES | FC
Despite success as a pop/reggae artist, Zander has traded the ways of the world to share God’s message through his music. Here he is pictured beneath a mosaic of St. John Paul II at the Shrine of Our Lady of Charity in Miami.
He became increasingly aware of the presence of New Age practices that take place at reggae concerts, such as crystals and meditations. He said the atmosphere didn’t feel quite right. “There’s a lot of darkness despite the so-called ‘good vibes,’” he said.
Ironically, despite Miami Beach being the iconic party landscape, it was here that Zander came to encounter God on a deeper level after experiencing several challenges in career and relationships.
“Moments of silence and praying the rosary at the beach opened my heart to God,” he said, adding that his mother’s own return to Catholicism led to his eventual conversion. She was there to answer any questions he had as he reconsidered the faith.
His beachside reflections were soon followed by Reconciliation during Lent — an experience so positive, it led him home to the Catholic Church. After that, Zander went all in: He began to attend daily Mass, became a lector, and read spiritual books.
“I became passionate about the faith. I wanted to dive in and learn everything,” he said. “Everything has been pointing me there.”
In the two years since his “journey back,” he continued to play secular music at a variety of events. But it wasn't enough. He realized he wanted to dedicate his entire career to God — including his lyrics.
Since making that decision, he has been able to write songs at a faster pace than before. Now, the songs flow from prayer. His new music features Catholic themes and prayers with a blend of pop-island sounds. Many are based on the writings of the saints, such as Mother Teresa.
“These songs came to me super easily, super quickly. When I used to try to write love songs, it took more effort. Now everything is coming about more naturally,” he said.
In “Sing for You,” inspired by the “I Thirst” prayer, he sings:
You know me through and through, what is in my heart, all the
loneliness and rejection. You’ve seen every sin, scars and flaws, but you show
me the direction.
When I am worried
When I’m alone
When I feel like I’ll lose it all
You show me Mercy
You show me grace
You help me find the strength
Since switching gears, he has played at various youth and young adult conferences including SEEK in Indianapolis, XLT in Atlanta, and spoken to the Young Catholic Professionals in Cleveland. This year promises many more faith-driven gigs throughout the rest of the country.
His talks focus on seeking joy in life, the importance of daily prayer, and Marian devotion.
“Zander’s music is very unique, and I absolutely love it,” said Andres Aybar, a parishioner at St Boniface in Pembroke Pines. Aybar, a bassist for Broward-based E.P.I.C. the Band, recently played with Zander at an event at St. John XXIII Church in Miramar.
“Everything about his music is positive, joyful, uplifting, and fun to play,” Aybar said.
Patricia Ros, co-leader of the Young Adult Ministry at St. Francis de Sales, Miami Beach, agrees. Zander shared his music and testimony at one of their group meetings.
“I think his songs are unique in that they praise God with a very light tone. It’s just fun music. You can’t help but want to play bongos even though you don’t know how,” she said. “His songs are a witness to the joy found in a life lived with God.”
“I just want to lead other people to God. To bring the light of Christ to everyone,” Zander said. “I want people to understand the joy he brings us. How merciful he is. If we stay focused on him and obedient, there is so much hope.”
FIND OUT MORE
- Zander will be speaking at Youth and Young Adult Ministry's Theology on Tap, Thursday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m., at The Tank Brewing Company, 5100 N.W. 72 Ave., Bay A-1, Doral.
- Follow Zander on Instagram @ZanderWaves or contact him at via email: [email protected].
- Watch a clip of Zander performing and talking about his song, “Jesus Alone.”
