Biography
Born Mark Antonio Bradford on August 28, 1985 in the parish of Manchester Jamaica, Singer, songwriter and producer Maranto grew up in a very musical family. His father, Hector, is a Minister of religion from Manchester, and his mother, Marion, now retired, was an accountant. Both parents, along with his elder brother, Horatio, were singers of varying ranges and timbres and understandably, Maranto followed suit.
During his early childhood Maranto got deeply involved in music and listened to gospel, R&B and jazz, primarily due to the diverse musical preferences of his parents. A past student of the Glenmuir high school, Maranto was always the entertainer for his circle whether it was beating on the desks with his pencils during the lunch periods or humming a melody while taking a test in class, he tended to find his escape through music.
At Glenmuir High School, Maranto was an enthusiastic member of the Glenmuir “concert” and “festival” choirs and during his high school years gained some exposure as he traveled to Germany and Austria with the group. He transitioned into his own as he later pursued a Diploma in Popular Music Studies, at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. There, he met and worked with some of Jamaica’s top musicians.
In 2002, he teamed up with college mates who were a part of the “C-Sharp” band for which he was lead vocalist and also got the opportunity to work with reggae ‘big wigs’ Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica and the renowned I-Threes.
The group went on to create their first album “What a Day” and embarked on various promotional tours in the Caribbean, Africa and Europe. Desperate to pursue an independent career in music, he parted with the band in 2006. On his own, Maranto’s passion for music grew even more. He continued to work in the shadows doing background vocals for Jamaican artists, Tessanne Chin, OMI, Ikaya, Alaine and the Gumption Band.
His distinct sound is often mistaken for an audio processed auto-tune, but it is this “sound” that makes Maranto unique. Currently signed to the Oufah Media production company, Maranto released his newest singles “Last Breath” and “Road to Zion” in the summer of 2013, as a prelude for the release of his first independent album.
Discovered by artists and repertoire (A&R) genius Clifton ‘Specialist’ Dillon, Maranto is being groomed for the international stage. He unveiled his new image in July 2013, as he opened for reggae super star, Alborosie, during an eight-week tour in Europe. Performing on festivals including Rototom Sunsplash, Sumol Summer Fest and Summer Jam to name a few. Maranto is pragmatic, thorough, strong-willed and very spiritual. For musical inspiration he listens to reggae legends Bob Marley, Beres Hammond and Burning Spear. With a raging passion and humbled spirit, Maranto dedicates his “last breath to the chant of reggae music.” Look, listen and observe the teachings of MARANTO… the next reggae legend.
More Info
VIDEO
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_XxoV0zC20
