IBA
Iba (pronounced:
'Eye-bah') was born Charles "Chucky" Encarnacion on the island of St. Croix,
Virgin Islands. As the son of a musician, Iba was indoctrinated
into music at a very young age, and his passion for knowledge led him to embrace the
teachings of Rastafari in his formative years.
Overtime and thru much diligence, Iba
became lead singer of St. Croix's Front Line Reggae Band and quickly
became one of St. Croix's celebrated singers. In 1995, life and mother nature
(hurricane Marilyn) intervened in this burgeoning career and Iba
relocated to Connecticut, USA. In Connecticut, Iba kept at his
passion by fronting the Survivor's Reggae Band for the next 3 years.
|
In 2001, Iba
recorded several songs with Bambu Station that were selected for their
award-winning compilation "Talkin' Roots - Volume I". Iba's
song "Chant" was selected as the lead track and helped usher in a globally
recognized talent pool of artists from the Virgin Islands. Iba's song was heavily
rotated throughout the United States and Caribbean helping to solidify "Talkin' Roots
I" as a modern classic. Mt. Nebo Records launched "Jah
Lion (Children Of The Nile)", Iba's debut album on July 1,
2003 which has generated outstanding reviews and critical acclaim from industry experts,
radio personalities and reggae fans alike.
Iba's voice and delivery
is very distinct and his phrasing belies the normal song-writing formats commonly used in
music today. Iba's honesty and life-approach also comes out solid in his
presentation and his songs are filled with harmonies and call-and-respond lyrics which are
always engaging to the audience. Distinct, interesting, harmonious!
Iba
Links:
|
