 Iba
(pronounced: 'Eye-bah') was born Charles "Chucky"
Encarnacion on May 7, 1970 on the island of St. Croix,
U.S. 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. Over time 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 Bambú 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.
Since the
release of his first album, Iba has traveled all over
the world spreading his message of righteous living,
morality, world peace and unity. Iba's tours has taken
him to Hawaii, Israel, Belgium, Holland, France,
Germany, and all across the U.S. He has made appearances
at many festivals including Sierra Nevada World Music
Fest, Monterey Bay Reggae Fest, Ja Sound European Reggae
fest, Cheimsee Reggae fest, Hamm Reggae fest and many
more.
 Iba has
released his highly anticpated sophomore album, "Many
Lives" in August of 2006. This album contains many great
songs and improves further on his first album "Jah Lion
(children of the Nile)." It includes a spirited
collaboration with Ijah Menelik of Montseratt entitled
"Afrika", insightful and energetic songs such as "World
Crisis", "Jah Teachings", "Save The World", "Stay in the
Right", and the already much beloved ode to his Mother
and all mothers, "Strongest Woman". Unlike many releases
of today, the album contains even more songs very worthy
of mention in any review of the album. "Many Lives" is a
wonderful celebration of music and community building.
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-response lyrics,
which are always engaging to the audience. Distinct,
interesting, harmonious!
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