Giark - Roots reggae artiste from a 'Digital' world

Rising roots reggae singer Giark (pronounced ghee-ark) is the son of famed Jamaican producer 'Bobby Digital'. Needless to say, that with such a foundation, much is expected from the young musician. Even so, Giark follows his own curious path. With just a few singles on the airwaves, that path has led him to being featured on Rohan Marley's upcoming docu-series A Taste of Marley, and a soon-to-be released video game.

In describing himself, the young singer said, "I'm a singer who loves to express himself no matter the kind of riddim. It's always coming from a soulful place travelling from an ancient time." But that's surface.

Giark told The Gleaner that his name means to eliminate crosses, and comes from a very deep place, because he perceives five dimensions. As the average human sees in just three dimensions, the young artiste's approach to life is cautious, courageous and primarily focused on staying clear of bad vibes. "I can feel spirits. I can see them. I was born that way. So with that courage, I stay far from bad vibes," he shared.

That doesn't mean that bad vibes are always held at bay. He continued, "There is good and bad but the greatest thing as a human is the ability to identify things to see something before it happens, so we don't necessarily have to face the consequences."

Digital Legacy

As the son of Bobby Digital, it comes as no surprise that Giark entered the music business. But he says that although he was surrounded by music all his life, it was never thrust up him. "I can't say that my father encouraged me to do music. He's not gonna push you to do what he does. He let me choose."

According to the young singer, his father kept a casual, watchful eye and offered supportive gestures along the way. "He wanted to see if I have the same drive and passion he had. He was supportive, but I still had to find it on my own. He would see me and say, 'continue," Giark shared.

Despite generational shifts in music production from his father's heyday in the '80s and '90s, the singer gleaned from his father how to identify quality sound. "Though I'm working with different sounds, it's still good quality. It's very nice a good blend knowing quality sounds and modern sounds."

As the year comes to a close, Giark concludes a productive 2018. He recently released a music video for his latest single So Nice. Other recent releases include I've Been There (VP Records), Rude Bwoy Jamaica, and Papi. He also had the opportunity to record with BBC1Xtra this year.

Two thousand and nineteen may turn out to be just as, if not more, fruitful for the rising artiste. Of the upcoming Marley docu-series he says, "I'm in it and my music is in it." Giark's music will also be featured on a video game to be released some time next year.

Additionally, he is gearing up to release his debut EP. "The tracks are laid. The next release will be called Wah Some," he revealed. Wah Some has been submitted to the Jamaica Tourist Board for consideration as a national campaign soundtrack.