Iba MaHr is a reggae artist who was born Mario Greaves on January 21, 1987, in Linstead, Jamaica. He was given the name Iba MaHr by friends of the strong African culture influence. Iba is an African name, meaning Humble and Calm, and MaHr is really an acronym, meaning Mario of Harar; Harar is a small province in Ethiopia.
After completing secondary education at Charlemont High and sixth form at Dinthill Technical High, Iba went on to study for a bachelor's degree in Computing and Management Studies at the University of Technology in Jamaica. 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.
I take pleasure in doing love songs. Essentially, I am inspired to sing about real life occurrences, but in reality as artiste 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 the 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 represent, 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.