He's been described by Caribbean music authorities as one of the most talented new Bajan artists, yet not many people can accurately categorize Nfernos musical style. The dexterity with which he switches from slow, sultry soca tunes to hardcore dancehall to conscious reggae may explain why.
Born in 1978 in Bridgetown, Barbados, Mark "Nferno" Holder is no stranger to reggae and soca music. Growing up, he remembers buying the records of the popular artists of both genres, and credits artists such as Lil Rick, Ninja Man, Shabba Ranks, and Machel Montano among his musical influences. He was initiated into the music fraternity in his pre-teens, when he began to compose lyrics to the instrumental version of popular songs. It wasnt long before he had established himself as a local DJ among his peers, playing parties that often got shut down because of the crowds.
At 16, Nferno migrated to Maryland where his talent caught the ear of Darren Solozano, owner of Sprang International, the top soca sound system in the Washington, DC metro area. He became the youngest DJ in the Sprang International organization, no easy feat for a teenager who was new to the local music scene, and did not yet have an audience. It wasn't long before Nferno was part of the regular schedule at the Crossroads Entertainment Complex, drawing a loyal Sunday night audience. It was strange playing in clubs when I wasnt even old enough to drink. Id play my set, and then have to get up the next morning and go to high school just like any other kid. In 1999, he left Sprang International to pursue his dream of being a solo artist.
Nferno spent two years performing locally and honing his skills in the Washington, DC area before a chance meeting with soca artist and producer extraordinaire, KMC. He was very supportive, Nferno recalls. He believed in my talent and encouraged me to actively pursue music as an artist. Its gratifying when an artist that you admire gives you that kind of encouragement.
In 2003, Nferno was booked as the opening act for a series of dancehall concerts featuring Spragga Benz, Vybz Kartel, and Baby Cham, making him the first Barbadian artist to open a concert for an all-star dancehall cast. His successful performances set the stage for the release of his first single, Wine Dat, which received airplay on Caribbean radio stations throughout North America, and granted him access to a larger audience. His 2004 release Can You Really Wine? (produced by the renowned Parry Jack, who has also created hits for Bunji Garlin and Sean Caruth) garnered international attention, and sealed Nfernos fate as a talented and viable new artist. Following its release, he was booked to perform at several concerts during DC Carnival, including the infamous Camouflage Fete, where he was the only Barbadian solo artist on the roster. The success of Nfernos second single culminated in its repeated airplay in Barbados during the 2004 Cropover season, and the subsequent booking requests he received. Hearing my song playing on the radio in Barbados was a dream come true, he remembers, smiling. But when I was asked to perform at a local event during Cropover, that was the icing on the cake.
In 2005, Nferno took a hiatus from his recording career to broaden the scope of his talents and conquer yet another aspect of the music industry. He ghostwrote several tracks for local Maryland artists, then wrote Lose Control, a soca song performed by newcomer Mel, and produced by the notorious Ma$tamind Productions.
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