Empire I
{{about|the Jamaican singer-songwriter/songstress|the video game|Empire I: World Builders}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Empire I
| caption = Empire I Performing at Fesman in Senegal, 2010
| birth_name = Miriam Moufide
| birth_date = 1981
| birth_place = Bangor, Gwynedd, Wales{{cite web | url=https://www.freebmd.org.uk/cgi/information.pl?r=259264690:5096&d=bmd_1637027742 | title=FreeBMD Entry Info }}
| alias = The Gangstress, Empire ISIS
| origin = Morocco, United Kingdom and Montreal, Canada
| instrument = Vocals
| genre = dancehall, reggae, hip hop, pop, world music
| occupation = Vocalist, singer-songwriter, rapper, activist
| years_active = 2002–present
| label = Monumental Records, HLM, Distribution: Universal/DEP
}}
Empire I (true name Miriam Moufide, also stage-named The Gangstress) is a singer, songwriter and social activist based in Kingston, Jamaica.{{cite news|url=http://www.cbc.ca/homerun/columnists/music/2010/11/19/hallway-interview-with-empire-isis/ |title=Homerun | Hallway Interview with Empire ISIS |publisher=CBC.ca |date=2010-11-19 |accessdate=2011-03-23}} Her musical style has been described as a blend of dancehall, reggae, hip hop, pop and World music. She is signed to Monumental Records and distributed by Universal Music Group and Zojak Worldwide.
Early life
Born in Wales to a Moroccan father and British mother, she was raised in Morocco. At age 7 she moved to Montreal, where she lived with her 2 brothers, mother, and Ugandan/Yemeni stepfather.{{cite web |last=Lyonnais |first=Sheena |url=http://www.chartattack.com/news/65537/empire-isis-is-gangstress |title=Empire ISIS Is Gangstress |publisher=CHARTattack |date=2009-01-28 |accessdate=2011-03-23 |url-status=usurped |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100825060110/http://chartattack.com/news/65537/empire-isis-is-gangstress |archivedate=2010-08-25 }}
At the age of 16, Moufide moved to Costa Rica for school and began a four-year trip around the world, living with small and marginalised communities.{{cite web|url=http://www.journalmetro.com/culture/article/167529 |title=Métro Montréal - Empire Isis: Tassez-vous de d'là! |publisher=Journalmetro.com |date=2010-12-21 |accessdate=2011-03-23 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110727080348/http://www.journalmetro.com/culture/article/167529 |archivedate=2011-07-27 }} Her love for music and anthropology led her to visit and live in 30 different countries, and to eventually put her experiences to music.
Activism and Charity
At 21 while in the Amazon rainforest attending the Bumba Meu Boi festival, she met members of the Rainbow Caravan for Peace and made the decision to join them as they visited indigenous villages and festivals. Drawing on her education in theatre, music and workshop facilitation she worked with them performing in street theatre and giving workshops on bioregionalism, permaculture, ecovillage design, nutrition and spiritual gatherings.{{cite web|url=http://www.montrealmirror.com/ARCHIVES/2000/071300/news3.html |title=The Front: July 13, 2000 |publisher=Montrealmirror.com |date=2000-07-13 |accessdate=2011-03-23 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120701004423/http://www.montrealmirror.com/ARCHIVES/2000/071300/news3.html |archivedate=2012-07-01 }}
Her lyrics often focus on social matters like women’s rights ("NANA Power"), building community ("Participate") and defending your dreams ("Get up on it", "Won't surrender").{{cite web|last=Dowling |first=Marcus |url=http://www.tgrionline.com/2009/03/new-artist-showcase-montreal-quebecs.html |title=True Genius Requires Insanity: NEW ARTIST SHOWCASE: Montreal, Quebec's EMPIRE ISIS |publisher=Tgrionline.com |date=2009-03-25 |accessdate=2011-03-23 }}{{dead link|date=December 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
The artist tries to use her international recognition to draw attention to issues that matter to her, by hosting and performing charitable events,{{cite web|url=http://www.cnw.ca/fr/releases/archive/September2008/26/c8743.html |title=FONDS VILLE-MARIE | Invitation aux médias - Soirée des Mérites Classes Affaires 2008: 800 jeunes récompensés! |publisher=Cnw.ca |date=2011-02-25 |accessdate=2011-03-23}} especially in her home cities of Montreal{{cite web|url=http://theconcordian.com/2011/03/22/montreal-hip-hop-artists-and-conu-student-unite-to-help-fight-hivaids/ |title=Montreal hip-hop artists and ConU student unite to help fight HIV/AIDS |publisher=Theconcordian.com |date= 22 March 2011|accessdate=2011-03-23}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mindpeacelove.com/?p=1230 |title=Knowledge is Sexy: Our Fight Against HIV/AIDS II, a Benefit Concert " MINDPEACELOVE |publisher=Mindpeacelove.com |accessdate=2011-03-23 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110506155101/http://www.mindpeacelove.com/?p=1230 |archivedate=2011-05-06 }} and New York City.
The song S.O.S. To Freedom is currently being used in a campaign against human trafficking across the United States.{{Cite web|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/endht/html/home/home.shtml|title = Let's End Human Trafficking}}
You can also find her NANA Power song utilized in the Girls Action Foundation's, Light a Spark cause.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/user/LIGHTASPARK |title=Light a Spark |publisher=girlsaction.ca |date= |accessdate=2011-09-26}}
Musical career
Moufide, having taken the stage name Empire ISIS, began making music while traveling in Jamaica, working with the legendary Jamaican musicians Dean Fraser and Chinna Smith, as well as Miami-based producers The Iconz. She recorded her debut album "Empress Gangstress" in part at Bob Marley's legendary Tuff Gong Studios in Kingston. It featured reggae singers Bushman and Half Pint. Empire ISIS has played in over 20 different countries, including Brazil, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Senegal and Canada{{cite web|url=http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/empire_isis/artist.jhtml |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303224159/http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/empire_isis/artist.jhtml |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 3, 2007 |title=Empire Isis | Music Videos, News, Photos, Tour Dates, Ringtones, and Lyrics |publisher=MTV |date= |accessdate=2011-03-23}} and the American festivals SXSW and CMJ.{{cite web |url=http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2009/01/sxsw-lineup-coming-together-nicely.html |title=SXSW 2009 line-up coming together nicely :: News :: Paste |publisher=Pastemagazine.com |date=2009-01-09 |accessdate=2011-03-23 |archive-date=2010-08-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820053421/http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2009/01/sxsw-lineup-coming-together-nicely.html |url-status=dead }}
On her more recent albums, Empire I has worked and recorded with producers like Prayon{{cite web|url=http://sub.maddecent.com/blog/2009/09/25/participate/ |title=Participate | Mad Decent |publisher=Sub.maddecent.com |accessdate=2011-03-23 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120321142106/http://sub.maddecent.com/blog/2009/09/25/participate/ |archivedate=2012-03-21 }} and Kovas.
As well as songwriting for Empire ISIS, she also writes under the name Miriam Moufide for other musicians and is published by Cherry Lane Music and pigFACTORY Music.
In June 2011, Empire I was voted into the "Wall of Fame" at the Montreal Hip Hop Summit and is now featured in the Montreal deck of "Legend Of The Fame" hip hop trading cards.{{cite web |url=http://www.hiphopcanada.com/2011/06/real-city-joins-the-great-canadian-hip-hop-card-collection-at-the-first-annual-montreal-hip-hop-summit/ |title=Real City joins the Great Canadian Hip-Hop Card Collection at the 1st Annual Montreal Hip-Hop Summit |publisher=hiphopcanada.com |accessdate=2011-06-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304030651/http://www.hiphopcanada.com/2011/06/real-city-joins-the-great-canadian-hip-hop-card-collection-at-the-first-annual-montreal-hip-hop-summit/ |archive-date=2016-03-04 |url-status=dead }}
In 2012, Empire I relocated to Jamaica where she has been touring and recording,{{cite web |url=http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Empire-Isis-spreading-positive-vibes_14216965/ |title=Empire ISIS Spreading Positive Vibes |publisher=jamaicaobserver.com |accessdate=2013-05-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006112001/http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/Empire-Isis-spreading-positive-vibes_14216965/ |archive-date=2014-10-06 |url-status=dead }} collaborating with a variety of producers including Truckback, J.Hennessy, Sam Diggy, Frassman Brilli and Rebel Camp Entertainment.
In 2016 Moufide changed her stage name to Empire I following issues with public confusion with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant frequently referred to in the media as "ISIS".{{Cite web|url=http://jamaica-star.com/article/entertainment/20151224/empire-isis-changes-her-name|title = Empire Isis changes her name|date = 24 December 2015}} She made the official announcement on the Jamaican program Onstage TV January 23, 2016.{{Cite web|url=http://worldstarreggae.com/2016/01/23/onstage-january-23-2016-full-show/|title=Fabian, Empire I, Sean Kingston (Onstage) Jan, 23 2016 (FULL SHOW)|date=2016-01-23|website=WORLDSTARREGGAE|access-date=2017-02-23}}
Film and television
2007
- Reggae Uncensored DVD, also featuring: Damian "Junior Gong" Marley, Sizzla Kalonji, Sean Paul, Junior Reid, Mavado and Collie Buddz{{Cite web|url=https://www.amazon.com/Reggae-Uncensored-U-Empire-ISIS/dp/B0012RCNCS|title = Reggae Uncensored|website = Amazon| date=26 February 2008 }}
2008-2009
- Gangstress Chronicles: Series of interviews by Empire ISIS for Quebec music channel MusiquePlus featuring Gene Simmons, Janelle Monáe, U-God, Tricky, Kid Cudi, Perez Hilton and others.
Song Placements
Discography
- Empress Gangstress (2005)
- featuring Half Pint and Bushman
- Sound The Trumpets (2007)
- featuring Sizzla and Turbulence{{Cite web |url=http://www.bigupradio.com/news/uncategorized/empire-isis-prepares-to-go-international |title=Empire Isis Prepares to Go International | BigUpRadio Streaming Reggae Music |access-date=2011-07-05 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722060635/http://www.bigupradio.com/news/uncategorized/empire-isis-prepares-to-go-international |archive-date=2012-07-22 |url-status=dead }}
- Brand New Style (2009)
- Crack The Code (2011)
- Back From The Dead (2017)
Singles
- Come With Me feat. Fafadi (2013)
- Ignite Pink Wall Riddim (2013)
- Haute Couture (2014)
- Ina Da Streets (2014)
- La Pongo feat. El Freaky (2014)
- Fi Da Man Dem feat. El Freaky (2014)
- Boom Boom (2017)
- Beggi Beggi (2017)
Awards
Some awards and nominations Empire I has received are listed below.
- Gala SOBA (Sounds of Blackness Awards)
- 2008: Winner – Best English Single of the Year
- 2008: Winner – Best World Music Music Artist of the Year{{cite web|url=http://top40-charts.com/news.php?nid=38862 |title=Empire Isis Conquers: Winner Of 'World Music Artist Of The Year' At The Gala Soba (Sounds Of Blackness Awards) @ Top40-Charts.com - Songs & Videos from 49 Top 20 & Top 40 Music Charts from 30 Countries |publisher=Top40-charts.com |date= |accessdate=2011-03-23}}
- GAMIQ(Quebec Indie Music Awards)
- 2008: Nominee – Best World Album{{cite web|url=http://www.prlog.org/10103690-empire-isis-wins-best-international-artist-underground-urban-music-awards-in-nyc.html |title=Empire Isis Wins "Best International Artist" - Underground Urban Music Awards In Nyc |publisher=Prlog.org |date= |accessdate=2011-03-23}}
- Hollywood Music Awards
- 2008: Nominee – Best Pop Artist{{cite web|url=http://www.jamaicans.com/music/articles_reggae/irie-jamboree-08-a-tribute-to-caribbean-athletes-2~print.shtml |title=Ladies First: Boogie on Reggae Women |publisher=Jamaicans.com |date= 12 November 2008|accessdate=2011-03-23}}
- International Reggae & World Music Awards
- 2005: Nominee – Most Promising Entertainer{{cite news | url=http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/bands/EMPIRE-ISIS | work=CBC News | url-status=dead | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713032351/http://radio3.cbc.ca/#/bands/EMPIRE-ISIS | archivedate=2010-07-13 }}
- Montreal Hip Hop Awards
- 2010: Winner – Female Artist of the Year{{cite web |url=http://montrealhiphopawards.com/ |title=The Official Site Of The Montreal Hip Hip Awards / Site Officiel des MHA's |publisher=Montrealhiphopawards.com |date= |accessdate=2011-03-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101206113322/http://montrealhiphopawards.com/ |archive-date=2010-12-06 |url-status=dead }}
- Toronto Exclusive
- 2007: Winner – Best New Artist
- 2007: Winner – Best New Single
- 2007: Winner – Best New Female Artist{{cite web|url=http://www.torontoexclusive.com/awards2007/provincialnominees.html |title=nominees |publisher=Torontoexclusive.com |date= |accessdate=2011-03-23}}
- Toronto Independent Music Awards
- 2008: Winner – Best Out-Of-Province – "Quebec"
- Underground Urban Music Awards
- 2008: Winner – Best International Artist
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.musiqueplus.com/empire-isis/ Musique Plus Page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924080505/http://www.musiqueplus.com/empire-isis |date=2011-09-24 }}
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20170224221503/http://realempirei.com/ Official website]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20170224221759/http://monumentalrecords.co/ Label website]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Empire I}}
Category:Jamaican women rappers
Category:Canadian hip-hop singers
Category:Musicians from Bangor, Gwynedd
Category:Reggae fusion artists
Category:Welsh emigrants to Canada
Category:Canadian people of Moroccan descent