|
Toronto’s Mark Steele continues to heat up the musical circuit in Canada and the world with his sweet singing voice and masterful showmanship.
Since 1992, when he first embarked on the musical circuit in Toronto, Steele has made an indelible imprint on the reggae music-loving audiences through appearances at various venues in the city. It started shortly after his emergence on the music scene; people began inquiring about this powerful and dynamic young singer/musician. Before long the name Steele was something of a household word on the reggae music circuit.
He has appeared locally, embarked on tours national and international, and has performed in Africa to audiences in excess of 20,000 with rave reviews, not to mention his performances in Jamaica and other Caribbean islands. Steele has come a long way since his first single, Ribbon In The Sky, released under the guidance of one of reggae’s veteran artists, Tristan Palmer. Since then, Steele has recorded a number of other singles, which have earned the respect and ear of national and international audiences and professionals in the world of music. Silhouette, cover of the late D. Brown, represents one of Steele’s many hits that have been enjoying regular rotation on the airwaves at home and abroad. Jah Is My Strength continues to heat up the airwaves and proves to be a source of inspiration to radio audiences around the globe. It is not surprising that Steele is a much sought-after artist for live performances. He has shared the stage with some of reggae’s most respected artists, such as Freddie McGregor, Rita Marley, Tony Rebel , The Melodians, Stranger Cole, Glenn Washington, Half Pint, and Wayne Wonder, just to name a few.
Former lead singer of one of Toronto’s top award winning bands (Tatix), Steele has been described as dynamic, and sensational, with the versatility and range that defies restriction to any one genre. Steele is as captivating in his handling of R&B material as he is with soul, reggae, gospel, classical, and jazz. Born in Lucea, Hanover, Jamaica, Steele’s inspiration comes from his parents who sang on the church choir, where he too began singing at the tender age of 10 years. At age 11 he had developed an affinity for the drums, noting that he was attracted to the physical appeal of this instrument. At age 14, Steele entered the Herbert Morrison High School in Montego Bay and it became clear that a career in music was imminent. Steele joined the school’s reggae band, Mystic Force, which consisted of some of today’s well-respected musicians, Bengy Myaz, Paul Kastic, and Michael Stevens.
Today, Steele has made his mark on the music industry and though most people recognize him as a singer, Steele is also an accomplished musician, songwriter, and producer who have earned a reputation as a perfectionist with his professional approach to his music. In 2004 Steele released his first full length solo CD/Album (Uncorrupted) and the world stood up to take note of the lyrically conscious and socially relevant material which is signature Steele.
To date, Steele has been blessed with the achievements this album has attained. Tracks from Uncorrupted hit many charts globally and in Canada the cd was showered with many accolades which included a Juno nomination for Reggae Recording of the Year. Steele has since then seen his popularity grow significantly, he accredits this to the blessings from the almighty and the love from his many fans who continue to support his music. It is now only fitting that three years later Steele is dropping his sophomore cd entitled THE LOVE OF JAH and the critics have already started to hail this as his finest work to date. Steele started 2007 by making his mark on Jamaica's biggest cultural reggae event, Rebel Salute and this within itself is a great accomplishment for an artist residing in Canada. However, he has always expressed the fact that good reggae music is produced from many sections of the globe and not just isolated to one area. Steele continues to make hit music and current hits such as What's Wrong Wid Wi, a duet with crooner George Nooks, his heart felt rendition of Slave Driver, the Bob Marley original and his sassy Confession are still blazing, Steele is always humbled by the love he has been shown. He continually acknowledges the fact that without the support he would be nothing. The sky is the limit for Steele and he continues to reach for it www.myspace.com/steelemusic
|
