I-Maa-Ra

Born Courtney Mark Anthony Stewart, in Roaring River, St Thomas, Jamaica, he pretty much lived across
the river, so much so whenever the river was in spate and he was away from home, he would have to
stay at the house of a neighbour, as he would not be able to make it across the river to his home. The
river was the centre of the lives of his family. It provided water for household use, they washed at the
river, bathed at the river, caught fish and janga for food at the river, the river was their source. This was
the growing up years of this now recording and performing artiste, whose eyes sparkled with these fond
memories as he recounted his childhood life.

His love for music and singing would lead him to various concerts and dances in his community. He was
convinced from early that music would be at the centre of his life moving forward. He therefore started
on his musical journey in the mid 1980’s, toasting on Studio 4 Sound System in his hometown.
After migrating to Kingston, I-Maa-Ra began his recording career. The legendary Channel 1 Recording
Studio was where he recorded his first single. Produced by Horace Tapper the song ‘Iron Bar” was
recorded on the Top Rick record label, owned by Horace Tapper. I-Maa-Ra recorded a few singles under
the name” Senator Gary”, among them, “They are Dangerous” done on the Beacon record label.
Characterized with the ability to “degenerate to regenerate” he changed his name to ‘I-Mara’, meaning
“Solid and Firm’. This dynamic performing artiste now answers to I-Maa-Ra, meaning, “I see the Light”.

Training

In 1992 I-Maa-Ra was awarded a scholarship to attend The Cultural Training Centre, now called the Edna
Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts in Kingston Jamaica, At the then School of Music, he
studied- Caribbean Latin American Jazz, specializing in Vocal and Ear Training. The Edna Manley College
remains the only one of its kind in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.
I-Maa-Ra worked on Jamaica’s North Coast in the hotel circuit for a while after which he linked up with
the Group Abbasani managed by Milton Boothe owner of Roots Rock Muzik. He became the group’s
lead vocalist. Under the name I-Mara he released albums:- Let I Go :- Life’s Journey, :-Don’t Take it
Personal. He also released several singles to include, Cramp & Paralyze the Heathen: - Babylon Ba Bye:
Caan Cope, he also did several music videos.

Jamaican Industry Affiliations

I-Maa-Ra has worked with such big names as Dean Fraser, Ibo Cooper, Barry O'Hare and Mickey
Bennett. 
I-Maa-Ra is a past director on the board of the Jamaica Association of Composers, Authors and
Publishers. He is also a social advocate and motivational speaker, appearing in schools and colleges
across the island.
I-Maa-Ra continues to perform across the island of Jamaica, doing Major performances in Montego Bay
Jamaica on the show dubbed “Artistes against Crime and Violence. He featured on the Major concerts in
Falmouth, Trelawny, Jamaica, hosted by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (the agency
responsible for culture and cultural development in Jamaica) as part of Jamaica’s annual Independence
Celebrations; he also appeared on Liv Gud August Expo, a show produced by Tova Hamilton, Member of
Parliament for Trelawny Northern & Junior Minister of Tourism, in Jamaica.

Projects

I-Maa-Ra’s latest project is his vinyl album called Ten Feet Tall, now available on Sound Cloud
https://elasticstage.com/soundcloud/release/i-maa-ra-ten-feet-tall-album
The single “Love will never die” from that album, is now being promoted.

Another track on the album, “RISE”, created a noticeable buzz in Brazil, Uganda, Ghana and parts of the
Caribbean.
I-Maa-Ra is currently working on two singles, for release in early spring of 2026.
I-Maa-Ra’s various other projects include.

 Idlers Corner Records operating out of France by Marshall Neeko is a company I-Maa-Ra has
done two (2) singles. “Awaken and I love the Way”.

 Reggaeville TV/ YouTube channel released two videos for I-Maa-Ra , Tecknowledge (a poetic
dub expression) and Unnecessary War
 I-Maa-Ra has also done a remix of the single called Awaken and Warm Me (a passionate love
song with C.G.G. Music Productions and Irie Connection Band based in Montego Bay Jamaica.

I-Maa-Ra’s music is currently receiving worldwide rotation and his music is available on all digital
platforms and on www.16barsproduction.com/buyimaaramusic
I-Maa-Ra is also a Radio Host on FitFm 96.7, Trelawny’s Radio www.fitfmja.com . He hosts the
programme “The Community Buzz”, a programme looking at various aspects of development or
lack thereof in communities, across the world.

MORE WORK COMING FROM I-MAA-RA
He is energized and ready to unleash his true and full potential. I-Maa-Ra is now preparing for
performances in Jamaica, USA, Europe and Africa. The world awaits this “hidden gem”