Iba MaHr, the young sensation for authentic Jamaican reggae/ lover’s rock genre. Born January 21, to Ms. Roselin Embden and Mr. Glendon Greaves, he was given the name Mario Greaves at birth but has emerged with strong African culture, thus granted the name by friends, Iba MaHr, ‘Iba’ African name, meaning Humble and Calm while ‘MaHr’ is really an acronym, meaning Mario of Harar, Harar which is a small province in Ethiopia.
As a toddler, Iba MaHr was nurtured by his grandparents, Mrs. Joycelyn Greaves and Mr. Vincent Greaves in the Community of Cheesefield. Always being in the centre of attraction, every Sunday evening Iba MaHr would dance to his grandfather’s stereogram, playing hits from the 70’s, while singing to each song as if they were of his era. It was not until he was successful in his Common Entrance Exam to go on to High School that he moved to reside in Linstead with his mother. Being the only child for Ms. Roselin, iba was the main priority, with morality and education as her advocacy, leaving very little things undone if any. Now the youngman chants from a small town in the parish of St. Catherine called Linstead, that is most popular for the famous “Linstead Market” and the Song titled, “carry mi ackee go Linstead Market”.
After completing secondary education at Charlemont High and sixth form at Dinthill Technnical High, Iba went on to study a Bachelors Degree in Computing and Management Studies at the University of Technology. Even though he had the ability to write songs since going to high school, it was only while in University his peers pushed him to perform his own words.
In 2008, Max ‘Romeo’ Smith of CHARMAX MUSIC released his first song, “HAD IT & LOST IT”, for a various artiste album titled, “DEVIL ON DI RUN”. Later, Phillip ‘Fatis’ Burrell of XTERMINATOR PRODUCTIONS released his second single, “WHERE YOU ARE”. The young sound has also worked with great producers and record labels such as, UIM Records, Marlon McCubbin, Bizzarri Records, Jermaine “Lenky” Edwards and more recent Roland “Rollie” McDermot of Born Rollin’s Production. He has scored a big hit with the single “WILL I WAIT’ on the Born Rollins Production Label. “WILL I WAIT” went number one on Richie B’s chart and Stampede Street Chart. The hit song also got recognition on V.P. Records Reggae Gold 2012. Iba Mahr has graced the stages of Sumfest 2011, Rebel Salute 2012, Sting 2011, Western Consciousness, Air Jamaica’s Jazz and Blues Festival among others. The talented artiste has placed his stamp oversees, performing in Atlanta- Georgia, Chicago and also in Barbados.
“I take pleasure in doing love songs. Essentially, I am inspired to sing about real life occurrences, but in reality as artistes we create melodies then connect words to them to craft stories that reflect other people’s lives. The energy, mood and my emotion at times may affect how a song might turn out. Feelings, be it sombre, joyful or sorrow, also play a part. I now see the music making a paradigm shift from roots and culture, not that it has died but just need to be played more. Regardless of what is being played, the people need redemption songs, especially in these times of division and world crisis. I can only say that Reggae music is a medium through which we connect and touch people in any situation, so I work to preserve its legacy”, said Iba MaHr.
The artiste was able to survive the many dangers and harm of his volatile community through advocating love, peace, righteousness and spiritual consciousness. As his name represents, he is quite humble, and does not let anything or anyone trouble his innate calm. With Rastafari as his inspiration, roots and culture is always what he promotes, along with social commentary and soulful-reggae love songs that speaks out to the hearts of people, those in love or out of love. Iba MaHr’s music ranges from reggae, lovers rock and soulful roots genre.
Give heed to the voice, message, and what reggae music has to offer in the future.
