VIROOTS | 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!