Many artists struggle to establish their musical identity, laboriously trying on different styles like clothing, hoping to find a genre that comfortably fits. Then there are those, that emerge naturally formed in full command of their craft, their identity and their music. Imar Shephard fits firmly into the latter category.
With a voice that has been described as smooth, soulful and enchanting, Shephard's dulcet tones perfectly illustrate the essence of One Drop, Rhythm & Blues, Roots Rock Reggae and Lover's Rock. His unique sound is not only appreciated by his fellow islanders, but equally prized by a multifarious audience overseas.
Born in the parish of Saint Thomas, Jamaica. Imar Shephard was raised in Richmond Gap, a sleeply nook cocooned in the heart of the famous Blue Mountains. And just like the air that breezes across the valley, good, clean positive and uplifting lyrical content have always been an integral part of Imar Shephard’s profile. Nurtured as he was through the Church Imar Shephard discovered he had a passion for singing at a relatively young age, but never really took the art seriously until he moved to Jamaica's capital city of Kingston in his late teens.
Rolling forward to 2010, Imar Shephard hooked up with singer songwriter and local producer, Colin Demar Edwards more popularly known as 'Demarco' of True Gift Entertainment, the duo recorded and released Shephard's first single “Woman I Need You” in partnership with the Canadian music group 'Rebel House of Music'. The single received heavy rotation both locally and internationally, and so Imar Shephard was introduced to the world. Riding on the wave of that initial singles success, the two artist's went back in to the studio to record the dancehall collaboration 'My Queen'
Releasing his debut album 'Unleashed' late in 2017, the artiste says he's proud to have worked alongside some of Jamaica's more reputable producers including Sheldon 'Calibud' Stewart, Bobby Digital (R.I.P) Colin Edwards [Demarco] and others to compile 13 great tracks that profile his versatility both as a singer and songwriter. Since it's release Shephard has twice taken his production to the forgeign shores of Saint Kitts & Nevis, USA and UK on what were reported to have been extremely successful tours.
Imar Shephard brings a passionate, smooth and wholly engaging performance, that fans will recognize relates directly to his emotive lyrics. Executing songs that connect us humans as family, he embodies all that is topical and compelling about Jamaican life as he knows it. Bringing a unique dimension to the industry, whilst remaining true to his roots and drawing in listeners from around the globe.
Having made a mark on the Jamaican circuit Imar Shephard has graced some of the Islands most notary music festivals, including Capelton's - Saint Mary Mi Come From, Negril's - Stepping High Festival and Clarendon's Annual Rum Fest, as well as recently performing at both the Bob Marley and Dennis Brown annual bithday celebrations both held during Jamaica's illustrious 'Reggae Month' festivities.
Imar Shephard is definitely on the rise. Securing a worthy position in the discourse of many a respected pundit with his soulful voice and evocative style.The buzz is, Imar Shephard has been given the mainstream 'one to watch' baton and is evidently more than capable of taking on the clustered musical marathon road routes with unique vocals and stylistically eclectic material ..
OMM ©..
On general release from April 20th 2023 come 'Morning Prayer' the first single of the forthcoming second studio album from Imar Shephard called 'Morning Glory'. The theme, pure clean good upliftment
Iyaah Bless Music officially release the long awaited single featuring fellow Saint Thomasian Rachaad Amarjii
the song is a reasoning between the friends on the unspoken principles that represent friendship ....
With Imar Shephard - 'Without You' in the mix
Release Imar Shephard - 'Want Some More'
With Imar Shephard - 'Read My Mind' in the mix
With Imar Shephard - 'More Love & Unity' in the mix
With Imar Shephard - Cherish What You've Got in the mix
With Imar Shephard - 'Dem Vex' in the mix
Including track 'I Believe' - Imar Shephard Ft: Sizzla
The new single 'Finally Found' from KRISIS will be available across digital distribution platforms from April 16th 2021
Iyaah Bless Music release the first new track of the new year.
Imar Shephard - 'Give Us Peace' a totally self explanitory anthem
KR.IS.IS - Knatch Rychus Cunningham, Iyah Syte and Imar Shephard bring you their first single under the management of Kavin Hill 24/7 Music Productions (VI)
'Chalice' is a call out from Rastafari to the authorities to researc the physical and physicological attributes of cannabaceae. The call for legalization is effective
In association with the Gregory Isaacs Foundation (London) Imar Shephard and Various artistes were commissioned to produce an original song on the Night Nurse riddim produced by Flabba Holt
Following the success of all songs on the 247 Music Productions 'Steppers Riddim' artists Knatch Rychus and Iyah Syte join forces with Imar Shephard to form new reggae group #KRISIS
The trio will be managed by CEO of 247 Music Productions Kevin Hill whilst Imar Shephard will remain under the mentorship of his team at Iyaah Bless Music
Single Release 'Have Some Class' produced by 247 Music Productions LLC on the 'Steppers Riddim' mix is released on iTunes
Times Like These on the Iyaah Bless Label was written as Jamaica enforced lockdown due to the COVID19 Corona virus pandemic
Imar Shephard releases 'Stepping With Love' on the Switzerland Riddim Mix produced by Lions Flow Productions outta France & Majestic 868 Studioz in Trinidad. The single was mixed and mastered by the respected Pauolo Baldini
in collaboration with the Fiyah Nation Band from Belgium, Imar Shephard releases 'Sunshine' on the Iyaah Bless Label
Imar Shephard releases the title track off his upcoming EP, the single is now available to download via all digital distribution platforms.
The track 'Matter Of Time' is a call to action. A shout out to employers to respect the rights of employees without discrimination or fear of recrimination.
The EP was due follow later in the Spring but was postponed due to the sudden COVID 19 pandemic international lockdown
Reggaeville release the music video of Imar Shephard's emotive single 'The Same'
Imar Shephard's brilliant single "Feelings" wins Roots 96.1 FM's (Jamaica) weekly magazine programe "Whats The Verdict", hosted by sports cxommentator Dudley Thompson.
The idea of the segment is that listeners' hear three new songs and by texting or calling in decide which one is a 'big tune, an average tune or a lame tune'
Imar Shephard first released the song on the Nyah Bless label in 2015, having written it for himself and a young singer from Saint Kitts, called Nastassaja . Since then it has grown in popularity being played by major stations around the world.
The song is a beautiful ballad outlining the strong love a couple who are often apart can share, written by Imar for the two it is an outpouring of a couple's commitment to work at their relationship, no matter how far apart they may find themselves.
Re-issued last year on the vocalist's debut album UNLEASHED the single is a worthy winner of this weeks 'Big Tune' on 'What's The Verdict'
Imar Shephard joined Jamaica's Queen of the airways, Elise Kelly on Iriee FM for a heart to heart about music,motivation and making a difference.
The show was the first to go live on instagram, and was hailed by both as a great success. Elise was quoted as saying 'Imar Shephard's debut album (entitled UNLEASHED) is a credit to him and his team. A wonderful production, with some amazing tracks on it.' Going on to name "Feelings", "The Same" and "Dirty Deeds" as three of her personal favorites.
She went on to say of Imar Shephard ' Your style is unique and very emotive, it's almost as though the listener can picture clearly what it is you sing about. I have no doubt you sing from experience as did the folk singers in days gone by'
The album is available to download at iTunes, and you can hear the entire interview by checking out the Iyaah Bless Music page at mixcloud ..
Back on the Island after a successful second promotional tour to the UK through the summer Imar Shephard is excited to get back in the studio and begin work with the newly formed Iyaah Bless Band
A great performance last week at the 15th Annual Stepping High Festival in Negril's West End.
See photos at Facebook - www.facebook.com/OfficialImarShephard
Due to the terms stipulated by digital distribution stores the original plan to call the album 'LIVE AND UNLEASHED' has had to be changed. The album will simply be entitled 'Imar Shephard Unleashed'
Soca Johnny Ft: Imar Shephard "Sweet Country" the popular anthem is finally released on video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LmRag6KXAEU
Photoshoot for album cover artwork complete - give thanks to Chris 'IceyJace', Pele and #TeamImar I had an awesome time and now it ll feels so real ...
The countdown has begun for the soon to be released debut album from Imar Shephard. Entitled 'Live & Unleashed' the LP consists of twelve songs, eleven of which are self penned and biographically emotive giving the audience a real insight into the up and downs of the artist's rise through the ranks, from relative unknown to household name. Imar Shephard's dulcet tones, harmonic runs and lyrical narratives will tenderly draw in the audience from their listening zones to feel his soul as raw and real as it can possibly be.
Back Home on the Island of Jamaica after a successful three months promoting in the United Kingdom , Imar Shephard is back in the studio working on new material.
Imar Shephard leaves behind the paradise of his birthplace on a promotional roadtrip across the Atlantic to the UK. The twelve week excursion will include a number of radio interviews and live performances across the country. For more information and booking details contact Parris Mollineau on 07783749112 or Fran Macari on 07562136102
Saturday the 6th of February saw the long awaited return to live performance for Imar Shephard. Having spent the end of last year in hospital after a car crash the artist performed a ten minute set at the birthday and long industry service of Ms. Kemp (manager of Capelton) at Spego's Bar on Saturday night. Sharing the stage with the creme de la creme of Jamaican artists including capelton, George Nooks Dan I and more is testimony to the fact that promoters actoss the island have every confidence in teh artist's ability to perform well regardless of the fact that he is still on crutches.
Imar Shephard and former management Nyah Bless Music announce a parting of ways. The split between the artiste and former manager H.Brown them both citing 'having different goals' as the main factor behind the amicable decision.
It was announced today that Imar Shephard and management team Nyah Bless Music will part ways before the end of the year. The singer and manager Hopeton D. Brown say 'they've simply outgrown each other' adding there is no animosity, no falling out just different visions.
Bringing you the news that Imar Shephard was involved in a near fatal car accident on the afternoon of the 5th of November. Imar was on the road to Negril when a freak accident left him jammed in a motor vehichle by the side of the road in Orange Bay. according to sources it took five men and a winch to another vehichle to free the 'Woman I Need You' singer from a dashboard that had locked his legs in. It is thought that the singer has a dislocated hip and a number of serious abrasions to both his face and legs, The passanger escaped with whiplash and four broken ribs. We wish the artist a speedy recovery and give God the glory in saving both lives.
Nyah Bless Music in Association with Forward Management Entertainment present an Eastern State Tour witn:
Imar Shephard, Thriller U, Empress Fyah Flames and Nastassaja on the lineup
Nyah Bless Music recording artiste Imar Shephard is pleased with the progression of his career.
Since January the hard-working singer has enjoyed a lot of attention with the release of his uptempo soca-infused single, Do It. This single was quickly followed up in February with the release of a beautiful love ballad titled Feelings, done with St Kitts-born singer Natassaja.
Both songs are enjoying heavy rotation on a number of popular local radio stations.
"Since I started working with Nyah Bless Music I've seen a big difference in my career. So far I've been doing a lot recordings and promotion, I've also been doing a lot of shows. Working with this company has helped me to elevate myself in the music industry. It's good to be working with a professional team who has my best interest at heart," Imar Shepherd said.
Imar Shephard has also been very busy on the live-show scene. His most recent performance was at the weekly live showcase at Cricket superstar Chris Gayle's Tripple Century Sports Bar in New Kingston.
Performing songs like Black & Beautiful, Woman I Need You and Do It, he left the audience mesmerised, begging for more.
Nyah Bless Music recording artiste Imar Shephard, is on a musical high.
The soft-spoken singer, who hails from St Thomas, is enjoying much attention with his single, Feelings, which features St Kitts-based singer Nastassaja.
The soulful reggae ballad, produced by Karl Morrison of Star Player Music Group and Hopeton Brown of Nyah Bless Music, was released on February 10, just in time for Valentine's Day. Since then, it has enjoyed strong rotation on a number of popular local Irie FM, Hitz 92 FM and Sun City FM.
The song tells a riveting tale about two lovers in a long-distance relationship. "I think the reason why the song is doing so well is the fact that a lot of people can relate to it, and it sounds very good," said Shephard.
Imar Shephard's previous single, Do It, is also doing well. A video for Do It was completed recently and is scheduled to be released later this month.
"We did the video for Do It a few weeks ago, it is currently being prepared for release. We are also going to shoot a video for Feelings very soon," he said.
Imar Shephard delivered an impressive performance at the recently concluded Blue Mountain Music Festival.
"I've been doing a lot shows lately, my most recent performance was at the Blue Mountain Music Festival, it was a very memorable experience," said the artiste.
'It was a very memorable experience.'
Nyah Bless Music recording artiste Imar Shephard, is on a musical high.
The soft-spoken singer, who hails from St Thomas, is enjoying much attention with his single, Feelings, which features St Kitts-based singer Nastassaja.
The soulful reggae ballad, produced by Karl Morrison of Star Player Music Group and Hopeton Brown of Nyah Bless Music, was released on February 10, just in time for Valentine's Day. Since then, it has enjoyed strong rotation on a number of popular local Irie FM, Hitz 92 FM and Sun City FM.
riveting tale
The song tells a riveting tale about two lovers in a long-distance relationship. "I think the reason why the song is doing so well is the fact that a lot of people can relate to it, and it sounds very good," said Shephard.
Imar Shephard's previous single, Do It, is also doing well. A video for Do It was completed recently and is scheduled to be released later this month.
"We did the video for Do It a few weeks ago, it is currently being prepared for release. We are also going to shoot a video for Feelings very soon," he said.
Imar Shephard delivered an impressive performance at the recently concluded Blue Mountain Music Festival.
"I've been doing a lot shows lately, my most recent performance was at the Blue Mountain Music Festival, it was a very memorable experience," said the artiste.
'It was a very memorable experience.'
Now on general release and available from iTubes, Amazon, CD Baby and all good stickists 'Do It' is already getting great reviews and worldwide airplay .
The song is an upbeat soca - reggae fusion and is a tribute from Imar to ladies who love to dance.
Fashion Show and music at Ferry Lane off Mandela Highway.
Breakfast Tv Live
Black Expessions a celebration of Black History Month includes Mickey General and Heflah Nyah on the line up
The Chocolate Kisses Affair
A pre Valentines Celebration sponsored by Irie FM
https://www.google.com.jm/maps/place/Holywell+Park/@18.077204,-76.725512,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x0:0x9826b7bee95de68a
Live Radio show alongside Nastassaja / streaming available
Live performance at crickter Chris Gayles uptown prestigious nite club
A nite of entertainment 'Easter Invasion '
Fyah In The Jungle along with Professor Nuts
Reggae Vibes with the Royaltiez Band
Special LIVE performance of hit single 'Feelings' with Nastassaja Burke
Appearing at the Fervida seminar
Spego's Place - ferry Lane kingston
Riddim Roots Radio -Live Reasoning with Father T
Old Hope Road Kingston
Cafe africa - 2 Trafalgar Road , kingston
www.whatshotradio.co.uk 2pm (JA) / 7pm(UK)
http://www.sparkleradio.net 11am (JA) 4pm(UK) with DJ Culture and Angie Ray
Skateland - Winward Road with Fred Locks, Isha Bel and Friends
Nanook 28 Burlington Ave, Kingston
Live on E Blaze with Talia Soares / FAME95 FM
Radio Interview
Fun In The Sun - Reggae All Dayer
One Harmony Road Show - Alongside Audrey Scott Chardel Rhoden and more
Family Fun Day
Annual Leeds Carnival
Opening for Diamon Cut Pro artists Stikki Tantafar and Torch and London's leading reggae venue
Trapycal Bentley and Fam - Fun Extravaganza
Imar Shephard will be representing at Isha Blender Launch
Imar features on the weekly 180 show at cricketer Chris Gayle's club in Kingston
The Mission, boxing day party
Imar headlines along with Taj Johnson and Friends at the new entertainment complex in Old Harbour
Sound Di Alarm
Live Radio Interview at Zanj Radio Station Right Here In Kingston
Live Radio Interview With Fawda Don on Londons Yawd Vybz 876
Imar headlines at the popular venue in New Kingston - come out and bring your friends
"Current Tuesday's" with SunJock Gary Freestylz aka Wickedfoot is a weekly show on Portmore's leading community station - previewing new music for the listeners
Wormy Bass Earth Strong Celebrataions - Come Out, Come Out
Joing an array of Jamaica's finest established and up coming artists this show winds down the annual #Reggae / #BlackHistory Month season at the prestigious Ranny Williams Entertainment Center in the heart of the city
Black History Month Finale
Regular Friday Nite Jam Session held at the small reggae themed hostel set in the heart of Kingston. Reggae Hostel offers a great atmosphere where it is really easy to meet other travellers and take in the Irie music vibz of Jamaica's Capital city
Free Entry
The Annual Stepping High Ganja Festival 2017 ... the longest running festival on the island to date.
Imar gets up close and personal with Queen JoJo on the countries favorite community radio station ...Roots FM
Supporting the Empress' - Million Ooman March starting outside the family court in Duke St and ending at Mandela Park with Stage show. Come Out and Stand with The Sisterz
18 West Street, Old Harbour comes alive each and every Tuesday nite with LIVE music ...
Birthday Party Performing at a personal friends bith nite .... STRONG ...
Anodda reason to always be on time, no matter what the bs or traibs first uf you olot refuse
Imar Shephard Links Her Royal Highness Esta Selecta in Amsterdam on R.Z.H Radio 2pm (JA) ...
Portmore - With Zabrick Bam and Kim "Goodbody' Williams
Innswood Village - Featherbed Lane [Spanish Town]
Supporting Dre Tosh at 'Coming In Hot' Video Launch
On the line up for LIVE band Thursdays
12 Waterloo Road - Kingston
Joining Gibby and the band for an impromptu performance
#Supporting the Empress Isha Bel, Yung Garvey, Althea Hewitt, Bongo Herman and more at the Empress's 'Brothers and Sisters Concert'
Pre Graduation Concert
Featuring at Krazy Don Fashion Show
Guest Artiste at The Weekly Friday Nite Jam with ATF Band
Milk River Mineral Baths and Hotel / Spa - an all day of fun
Featuring at Sankofa Sessions - Celebration of H.I.M EarthStrong
Alexandria Love and Friends at Hughden
Alumini Home Coming Concert Featuring Past Pupils Inc: Prophecy & Bushman
FiWi Jam Session - 2nd Monthly gathering of artist's, player of music and poets at Gary's Place
WMUA - 'The Caribbean Blend' Show with Lisa Senata
LIVE interview with DJ Big Bod on UK Bite Radio - 9pm [GMT] / 4pm [JA]
Alongside the flawless 6 Points Band at 1A Oxford Road, New Kingston
Live Tuesdays with Mikey T and Crew
Watch live on Facebook or #TuneIn via Kool97fm.com
The 15th Annual Stepping high Music Festival kicks off at Negril's West End
Live interview qith DJ Teflon at the heart of Londons leding station Vibes FM
Joining the Reggae on The Rocks crew for a pre boat dance performance
Imar Shephard takes to the stage at Londons leading Live Reggae Music Venue
Levi Roots Reggae Reggae Weekender Ft: Papa Crooks, Tony Rebel, Queen Ifrica and more
Live Reasoning with Selector Odeshye
Joining Attraction B LIVE in the studio for reasoning and more music
Music and Words Club Nite
Whats Hot Radio - Fun Day
Jammin live band
Rockers and Dub show live with Naffi I Ellis
BBc and BHI Unsigned live music show
Reasoning and music with DJ Baps
Live from the heart of Cheshire broadcasting with Empress T
Live and direct from the studio with DJ Lyrical
Live on the Blouse and Skirt show with lady denise
Up close & Personal performance
Live in the studio with Allison Mason and Andrew Sloley
Leeds Black Music Festival Mainstage with Anthony B / Sister Joyce
Live in the Roots FM Studio with Mikey Notch
Easy Skanking's 'Spotlight On New Arist' segment with Elise Kelly
Joining a select line up of artists at the M & M Festival in the heart of Kingston
Inner View with Dudley Thompson and Denise Isis Miller after winning 'What's The Verdict' With popular lover's rock ballad "Feelings"
Joining Supa Nova and the Dub School Crew for a nite of groundnation and upliftment...
A gathering of Kingston's finest to celebrate vocalist Nazamba's Earth Strong
Dub School (JA) official New Years Party
All set for GhettoSplash
Video Shoot and Party
Family Party
Bob Marley Birthday Celebrations
Join Imar Shephard and Queen of Jamaican Airways, Mame Elis Kelly for a catch up on 'Heart Mind & Soul2Soul
Imar Shephard and The Iyaah Bless Band will be LIVE in the studio with Mikey T for the 'Mellow Mornings' Show
Imar Shephard will be reprenting at 'Reggae Tuesdays' come out and support
Pon Di Endz - with Roach Ru & Friends
Join Imar Shephard & The Iyaah Bless Band, alongside Mikey General and Jessica Mbangeni
Imar Shephard and members of The Iyaah Bless Band meet with Hostess Denise Isis Miller for a 'Live Acoustic' session on air
Having had such a great response on their first appearance Imar Shephard & The Iyaah Bless Band have been invited back to the community based radio station to perform again
Supported by the Iyaah Bless Band - Imar Shephard performs tracks of his debut album #Unleashed on Jamaica's popular 'Smile Jamaica' morning news and entertainment programme
Jammin with the Iyaah Bless Band
Imar Shephard's single 'Lonely' voted single of the week on the Dudley Thompson show. Imar will be in the studio to recieve his certificate and discuss the song
Imar Shephard appears on the popular 'Up & Live' programe with Amiyah
Imar Shephard performs for the students at the school under the title Youth Ambassador ...
Imar Shephard joins Empress Nessa in interview on Eastern Radio playing out of Saint Thomas
Joing Chronixx and a glittering line up including the grandson of Marcus Garvey to celebrate Black History Month
Owanbe - Father's Day All Dayer
CariFest 2019 - Caribbean Festival - featiring Tarrus Riley, Rupee and more
Family Fun Day alongside Anthony Malvo
The only all nite arts and craft market on the island
Irie Solomon's EP Launch
Reggae Release / Reggae Yard presentt their end of year party
Joing a sparklin line up at Patrick Roberts Yearly Fest
Joing Tarrus Riley and Friends for the yearly celebration at Emancipation Park
An amazing line up for the first Trench Town Music Festival - Unity in The Community
Reggae Month - Reggae Wednesday's
Kingston 10 Sports Bar and Grill
Representing at Nature Ellis' 'Awaken' Launch
Trench Town Polytechnic Music Dept - Black History Month Celebrations
Jamaica's One Love Concert hosted by Big Stone at Tony Spaulding Stadium
Imar Shephard representing at the annual Dennis Brown Tribute Concert - free to all patrons this is one of the biggest free concerts of the year
Kingston 10 Sports Bar hosts Empress Miriam Simone's 'Amsterdam Revival' album launch with Imar Shephard on tyhe line up
Sonia's On The Terrace holds an LIVE MUISC nite the last Saturday of every month from 9pm - 2am
Free Entry so no excuse to miss
Reggae Na Piaskach takes place online after Corona Virus stops Imar and the Band from attending in person
Interview on The Artist Link Up Show with Mr. Bling
Interview witth DJ Tauruus
Radio Interview with Nikki Goodtimes
Live Radio Interview with Ijahstars
Live Performance [ᴋʀɪsɪs]
Live PA In House with Queen Gee [ᴋʀɪsɪs]
Online interview on the Kulture Vibe Radio Show with Hempress Selektress
Interview with Father T on the Soup & Dumpling Show
Online interview with D'Andre
In House Interview with DJ Supa Hype
Live Performance in Montego Bay Disc Jock Redeem [ᴋʀɪsɪs]
Inteview with Fiba Dan on the Link Up Mondayz Show
Interview with Goddess Genise on the World Reggae Party Show
Interview with DJ Master Key
Online interview [ᴋʀɪsɪs]
Online Interview with charity owner Nadine Gutherie Jones of Smie Again Jamaica Charity
Live Performance [ᴋʀɪsɪs]
Live Performance [ᴋʀɪsɪs]
Live Performance [ᴋʀɪsɪs]
Jammin With Binghistra Drummers and Earl Chinna Smith
In House Interview with Hostess Jasmin Tosh n the Unlesh Show
live performance at Beaumont Car Rental and Tours Studio One Show
Live performance at CAVIAR Hempress Selektress Promotions [ᴋʀɪsɪs]
Fathers Day Special Performance [ᴋʀɪsɪs]
Live performance at Karoke Wednesday's [ᴋʀɪsɪs]
Live performance at Skankin Fridayz [ᴋʀɪsɪs] Hosted By Ibby Lion
Live performance at Jasmin Tosh (Roots FM) Birthday Celebrations Hosted By Dudley Thompson (96.1)