Nathelie Taylor, Gleaner Writer
singing sensation, Mario - CONTRIBUTED
JAMAICAN WOMEN are in for a delicious treat come June 4. That's when R&B sensation Mario will grace the stage at Cinema II in New Kingston, for the Kings of Kings International 'Unite the People', a show packed with a number of giants in music.
Mario is also quite excited about performing in Jamaica. During a short interview with the soon-to-be 19-year-old (he's busy doing other interviews and planning for upcoming tours and other projects) The Sunday Gleaner learnt that Jamaica holds a special place in Mario's heart, although he has never visited before. Not surprisingly though, it's the music, the language and the people, especially "all the beautiful ladies", that have made him so thrilled about his upcoming visit.
PLAYFUL
In his good-natured, playful way, Mario even manages to slip in a strongly accented "yu done know", to emphasise a point he made, jokingly asking if he's said it correctly since he wants to get it right for 'Unite The People'. His attempt at patois is, of course, comical, even to his own ears, but he laughs it off, hinting that he wouldn't mind further lessons when he gets here.
But while he's trying to learn the dialect, Mario is quite familiar, even in love with, dancehall/reggae music. "Incredible," is how he describes Jamaica's music and he further says that "it's music that I can listen and dance to all night long". While not being familiar with all our dancehall acts, Mario singles out artistes like Elephant Man and Beenie Man as being top performers.
Mario's attractiveness cannot be doubted; just ask any woman. His slim frame, piercing eyes, cool, dark looks and that sweet voice which seems to drip honey with each note is enough to make the most stalwart of women sweat and swoon. Women, and not just the expected 'teeny-boppers', scream in ecstasy during his performances and hog the television when one of his videos come on.
But this reaction seems to not faze Mario, who was raised by his mother. "I've always had a good relationship with women, starting with my mom," he explains, adding that those early connections now help him to better understand the fairer sex. That understanding is clearly communicated in his songs, in particular his chart topping Let Me Love You, which has women everywhere dreaming of being treated to the promises in the ballad.
Interestingly, as attractive as he is, Mario is still single. This, is however, not by choice, as he explains "I just haven't found the right woman yet." In that teasing tone of his, which is evident throughout the interview, he saucily suggests that his true love may just be found in Jamaica during his short visit next month.
A labelmate of such stars as Alicia Keyes and Monica at J Records, Mario's current hits Let Me Love You and How Could You are a part of his 13-track sophomore effort Turning Point, an album which Mario says speaks aptly to the changes in his life right now. His debut album, the self-titled Mario, was released when he was just 15 and included the hit Just A Friend 2002, the song that essentially propelled him into the public eye.
Having achieved so much at such a young age, Mario's influence among young people is great. And he seems to know it, especially with regard to his influence on young, upcoming acts, as he states that "I think I've definitely helped younger artistes develop the confidence to pursue their dreams."
RUMOURS
With all his successes, though, Mario has one cloud hanging over his head unflattering rumours that he sounds a bit too much like Usher, another R&B sensation who knows just the right notes to hit with his female fans. Mario, however, disclaims such talk, insisting that he has his own sound. Nevertheless, he admits that he is pleased to be compared with such a great artiste. He lists Stevie Wonder and Boyz II Men as his other musical inspirations.
So, what's in store for Mario's future? Well, a lot, if he has anything to say about it. Where his music is concerned, Mario intends to keep on pleasing his fans. "My plans for music is to definitely keep making great music for all peoples and all cultures. I love travelling the world and I want to make music that appeals to everybody," he says. He also aspires to an acting career and, to this end, is currently finalising details for a movie project, yet unnamed, for later this year.
