I-MARA
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I-Mara - Contributed
Singer/songwriter/ producer I-Mara is creating waves with his latest single Can't Cope.
The song has been receiving countless airplay locally especially on Ron Muschett's early morning programme on Irie FM as well on Best FM, Kool FM and FAME FM.
Born Courtney Stewart in the small community of Roaring River in St Thomas, I-Mara's quest for music all started in the late '80s.
"My desire was to express my journey in life," he said.
I-Mara started out in music as a young DJ voicing with the popular community-based sound system called Studio 4. His first recorded single, Iron Bars, for producer Horace Tapper on his Top Kick label followed as he got his first peek inside the entertainment industry.
take music seriously
I-Mara then began to take the music very seriously and in 1991 teamed up with popular Reggae crooner Luciano and did They Are Dangerous on the Beacon label for producer Neville Reid.
I-Mara then took up a scholar-ship at the Jamaica School of Music where he started putting his many talents together before getting a regular stint with the band U7 at the Franklyn D Resort in Ocho Rios.
On his return to Kingston, I-Mara teamed up with the group Abbasani where they completed the album Let I Go, which did well both locally and overseas.
The following year they went on a tour of Mexico and the experience propelled I-Mara to a solo-career path and he has done several albums, the latest being Don't Take It Personal which was released in New York.
Ten Feet Tall, a track from that album, is still creating waves in Italy where he has a growing following.
I-Mara has so far worked with such big names as Dean Fraser, Ibo Cooper, Barry O'Hare and Mikey Bennett.
I-Mara currently sits on the board of directors of the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers.
- Star newspaper
Discography
TEN FEET TALL
DONT TAKE IT PERSONAL
BABYLON BA-BYE
CRAMP AND PARALIZE THE HEATHEN
SWEET AF ROMANCE
MAGIC
UNNECESSARY WAR
MOTHERS OF THE WORLD
BE MYSELF
ONE THOUSAND YEARS
LIFES JOURNEY
PRAYER IS THE KEY
DONT FIGHT YOURSELF
BELLEVUE SITUATION
ANGELS
BAD BOYS
NAN
PEEK-A-BOO
LOVING YOU
DANCE HALL CULTURE
CAN'T COPE
DARK WORLD
IRON BARS
LOVE WILL NEVER DIE
MAGIC IN YOUR EYES
PEEK A BOO [R&B MIX]
STANDING IN THE WAY OF LOVE
YOU GOT ME
WHOS GONNA LOVE YOU
WORLD AFFAIRS
REVELATION TIME
TRACKING US DOWN
LET I GO
NAH GIVE UP
PEOPLE CRYING
CANT TRICK I AGAIN
HIT THE ROAD JACK
Photos
Bio
I-MARA
I-Mara, Jamaican Reggae singer, songwriter, and producer, was born Courtney Mark Anthony Stewart, in the small community of Roaring River in St Thomas.
Realizing his strength and true purpose in life, he adopted the name I-Mara, which means Solid and Firm. In his pursuits in life, I-Mara is ever conscious of the challenges that may face him, consequently, his guiding words are, Let love and truth be the foundation of your heart. This resilient brother has relied on his strong spiritual awareness to direct the path of his career.
I-Mara's quest for music all started in the late '80s. He started out in music as a young DJ voicing with the popular community-based sound system called Studio 4. His first recorded single, Iron Bars, for producer Horace Tapper on his Top Kick label followed as he got his first peek inside the entertainment industry.
I-Mara then began to take the music very seriously and in 1991 teamed up with popular Reggae crooner Luciano and did They Are Dangerous on the Beacon label for producer Neville Reid.
I-Mara then took up a scholarship at the Jamaica School of Music where he started putting his many talents together before getting a regular stint with the band U7 at the Franklyn D Resort in Ocho Rios.
During a stint as the lead-singer of the roots Reggae group ABBASANI, I-Mara toured Mexico in 1996. On their return to Kingston, they completed and released the album Let I Go, which did well both locally and overseas. The group unfortunately broke up after the release of the album..
I-Mara subsequently teamed up with record producer, Milton Boothe and they embarked on a comprehensive recording project, for the Roots Rock label, recording enough material for the release of three albums. Notable releases coming out of this project are Ten Feet Tall, Loving You (remake of Minnie Rippertons 1970s hit), Cant Cope, Dont Take It Personal, and a remake of Iron Bars.
I-Mara has recently signed a 3 album distribution deal with Coolspot Productions in South Africa where his releases are currently receiving good rotation on the airwaves.
The first album that has been released by Coolspot Productions is, Don't Take It Personal.
Punctuality, hard work and dedication are major elements of this talented singers career. He also answers to the name Haile Maskel, given to him after his baptism in the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which means Power of the Cross. This has further boosted I-Maras faith in the positive energy of life.
I-Mara has so far worked with such big names as Dean Fraser, Ibo Cooper, Barry O'Hare and Mikey Bennett.
Performances
I-Mara delivered a most electrifying performance at St Thomas Culture Fest, as he shared stage with Queen Ifrica, Beenie Man, I- Octane, Khago and other performers in January 2011. I-Mara also rocked Red Bones Blues Cafe in Kingston Jamaica recently when he appeared as a guest performer on stage with "The Reminders" and singer MiMonia all out of Philladelphia, USA.
Jamneisha came alive as this brother brought the stage alive in the wee hours of June 9th 2012, the audience was mezmerized by his stage presence.
I-Mara will be lighting the stage when he performs on Friday December 28, 2012 in Heartease St Thomas.
I-Mara is an immediate past board director of the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and Publishers, and is also a social advocate and motivational speaker in schools and colleges across the island.
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