I-Octane | |
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I-Octane performing at Zénith de Paris in May 2012
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Background information | |
Birth name | Byiome Muir |
Also known as | I-Octane, Richie Rich |
Born | 29 April 1984 |
Origin | Sandy Bay, Clarendon Parish, Jamaica |
Genres | Reggae, dancehall, reggae fusion, roots reggae |
Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, deejay |
Years active | 2007–present |
Labels | Penthouse (2000–2005) Arrows (2005–2009) Conquer The Globe (2011–present) Tad's International |
Website | ioctanemusic |
Byiome Muir (born 29 April 1984), better known by his stage name I-Octane, is a reggae and dancehall recording artist from Clarendon Parish, Jamaica. He is known for integrating positive and socially conscious subject matter into his music, drawing inspiration from personal experiences and Rastafarian teachings.
Byiome Muir grew up in Sandy Bay, a small community east of May Pen in Clarendon Parish, Jamaica. Muir attended Palmers Cross All-Age School and then Garvey Maceo High School, and would often sing and make noises during class. Muir briefly attended Knox Community College with a focus on architecture, but dropped out to pursue his recording career full-time.
Muir began his recording career at the age of 16, when he was introduced to Donovan Germain of Penthouse Records, then manager of such artists as Buju Banton and Assassin. Muir released his first singles, "Oh Jah" and "Stepp a Seed", in 2000 at Penthouse Records under the moniker Richie Rich. After meeting Junior Arrows of the Arrows Recording Company, Muir signed onto the Kingston label under the new name I-Octane, a play on high-octane fuel and the Rastafarian use of I. I-Octane's initial acclaim came in 2007 for his social commentary works such as the roots reggae track "Stab Vampire" which climbed to the top of several Jamaican charts. In 2009, I-Octane topped the charts again with his emotional songs "Mama You Alone" and "Lose A Friend", and the latter of which was later adapted as a tribute to those who died during the police manhunt for Christopher "Dudus" Coke in Tivoli Gardens.