Dread Mar-I is a prominent Argentine reggae artist known for his emotive vocals and fusion of deep roots reggae with lovers rock. Born Mariano Javier Castro in Quequén in 1978, he moved to Buenos Aires as a child, where his passion for reggae, inspired by Bob Marley, blossomed. Working in his father’s bakery by day and honing his musical skills by night, Dread’s career took off when he joined the Reggae Messengers and later embarked on a solo path.
His debut album, “Jah Guia,” initially self-released, gained significant attention after DJs started playing it, leading to a Sony/BMG deal and widespread acclaim across Latin America in 2006. Performing with Los Cafres and headlining his own shows, including the prestigious Bob Marley Day festival, expanded his influence. Subsequent albums like “Amor-es” and “Viví en Do” solidified his status as Argentina’s top reggae artist, with a growing international fanbase.