Ibru showcases new sound on ‘GREAT ONE’
International recording artiste Ibru is back in the spotlight, this time for his sophomore album Great One.
The Florida- born, Bahamasraised artiste has forged a new sound, a fusion of reggae and dancehall.
“My music is unique because it exhibits balance and can fit into different parts of a person’s daily life,” said Ibru, whose given name is Angelo Ariel Smith.
He has been making inroads in the market as the lead single, titled
Control, hit the top 10 Reggae charts in the US, Canada, and the UK earlier this year.
Great One tackles hot-button issues such as mental health, and continues Ibru’s lifelong mission to open and elevate the minds of his listeners and to inspire and uplift the masses.
“While in the military I saw firsthand the effects of war on the mental health of fellow soldiers,” Ibru said. “When I transitioned back to civilian life, I realised that everyday people deal with many life stressors that affect their mental health as well. Since then, I have been an advocate for bringing awareness to mental health issues plaguing our society.”
Ibru fought on the frontlines in a US Army Special Operations Unit, mostly operating in the shadows.
“In the Army we were known as quiet professionals, completing each mission at-hand without seeking praise. Music is very different because as an artiste, you are in the spotlight,” he said. Focusing on the overarching theme of his album, he opined that every single life can be a “great one”.
“Having potential is like having the tools for success. If those tools are not put to use, that potential is lost. I put in the hard work, combined with focus and strategy to create success. I also set short and long-term goals along the way to gauge my progress. Being openminded and having the willingness to evolve have been my biggest secrets to success,” he said.