MARK WONDER

Mark Wonder, born Mark Andrew Thompson in Kingston, Jamaica, is truly a Jamaican wonder. Although Jamaica has no shortage of roots singers, Mark Wonder is a musical force that must be reckoned with. He has been blessed with an awesome musical talent. His powerful and infectious vocal delivery and master song crafting cannot be disputed. One can simply not resist singing or rocking to his quality creations which have that universal appeal whether he is praising the Almighty, chanting revolutionary songs laced with social commentary or keeping the fire of the ancient ones ablaze. His joyful expressions and contagious love songs are also exemplary of the breathtaking quality and range of this amazing and gifted singer.Mark Wonder was influenced by his mother’s love for music and her record collection that included the great early R&B classics of The Impressions, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Patti Labelle and Stevie Wonder from whom he has adopted the name “Wonder”. He also absorbed lots of foundation Jamaican music from artists like Burning Spear, Alton Ellis, Marcia Griffiths, Bob Andy, Heptones, Ken Boothe, Black Uhuru, Beres Hammond, Third World, Barrington Levy, The Wailers with Bob, Peter and Bunny, and Dennis Brown who in particular inspired him to become a singer.Mark Wonder’s introduction to the world of music started out in the time when sound systems ruled in his native Jamaica. He visited several sound systems based in and around his community just to get a chance to showcase his skill. Eventually he hooked up with Black Star Sound with whom he landed his first job as a singer on a sound system but only for a short while before moving on to Black Scorpio Sound System who also eventually launched Mark Wonder’s recording career. “So I started to develop my craft around the sound system dem and from there I got the opportunity to go to the studio.” He recorded for a few smaller labels until Jack Scorpio, who was known at the time to break new artists, decided to start recording with him. From there he recorded several songs for the Black Scorpio imprint which included his first four singles. “Caution” was his very first vinyl single. Then came “Girl I Love Your Style” and “A We Rule.” A string of other songs followed.Mark has grown tremendously creating a unique style of his own and is now considered one of the best vocalists in roots reggae. Even Jamaica’s Daily Gleaner newspaper took notice and has described him as “a sound very reminiscent of Garnet Silk.” But Mark sees himself as just another instrument and considers it always an honor to blow the trumpet in his vocal tone. It wasn’t an easy trod for this humble Rastaman who persevered on as a son of the Tribe of Levi. He continued recording for many labels and forged a respect and admiration from quite a the few of the budding international roots labels such as Al.Ta.Fa.An., Addis Records, Bobby Digital, Soundproof Productions, Special Delivery, Pow Pow, World-A-Music, 321 Strong and Acoustic Vibes with whom he coproduced quite a few impressive singles with other artists. Mark has recorded several collaborations with prominent reggae artists from Sizzla to Germany’s number one reggae artist, Gentleman. This passionate singer and dedicated songwriter has continued to record on a consistent basis over the years with innumerable singles continuing to be released to date.Mark has recorded quite a few albums to date most of which unfortunately suffered from a lack of proper marketing, promotional deficiencies and very limited distribution. These included “Signs of the Times” which gave him singles such as “Signs of the Times” and “Lead the Way Jah,” that opened him up to the European market. There was also “Jeremiah” produced by Soundproof Productions which had prominent singles such as “Militant Soldier” and “It’s Just Love” from which his first video was made. A live album was recorded in 2001 in Switzerland titled, “Mark Wonder Live at the Couple With Special Guest Prince Theo and the New Land Band.” “Break The Ice” was another excellent effort which brought the powerful single “Rainbow Child” which was also portrayed on video. Now Mark Wonder has started his own imprint, Battle-Axe Productions, and is setting his sights on controlling his own music. So he has launched his latest effort “Victory-The Mystery Unfolds” where he has joined forces with Jah Light Music, a California-based recording company. The project is a masterful and well-crafted release with great productions and decorated with lush horns and arrangements. The potent lyrical vibrations touch a range of issues, crossing boundaries from social commentary to even a roots rhapsody love song.Mark has widely toured Europe where he has steadily been building a solid fan base. Also in the U.S. he has created a huge impact especially on the west coast receiving tremendous response and rave reviews for his wonderful vocal styling and energetic live performances wherever he goes.“I-man deh pon the mission, yeah, as one of the militant soldiers, and as a son of Levi , I-man know what I duty is. The music is the source I and I use to deliver I and I message and always glorifying his Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I.” Mark Wonder’s intention is to bring nurturing sustenance to a needy world through his music, desiring to educate, inspire and bring consciousness with a spiritual essence and cultural awareness to listeners of roots reggae music.