It isn’t everyday that Canadian independent urban artists achieve the level of success that Ottawa-based Massari has received in such a short period of time.  Massari’s debut album has remained in the Top 100 on the Top 200 SoundScan Chart since its release and has now reached Gold record status in Canada making 2005 the year for Canada’s breakthrough R&B recording artist Massari and Ottawa-based independent label Capital Prophet Records

In less than six months of release, Massari has had his first three singles and videos in the Top 20, a # 1 video on the MuchMusic Top 30 Countdown, nominations for two 2005 MuchMusic Video Awards (Best Independent Video, MuchVibe Best Rap Video), and nominations for two 2005 Canadian Urban Music Awards (Best New Artist, R&B/Soul Recording of the Year).

The 24-year old Sagittarius, born in Beirut, Lebanon, moved with his family to Montreal at the age of 10 to break out of the unrest within the population at that time.  Later, at 13 he moved to Ottawa where he currently resides.  The trilingual artist – he speaks English, French and Arabic fluently – cites Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, and Aretha Franklin as musical influences.  However, growing up he has been exposed to various styles of music and because of that his biggest influence is legendary Arabic singer George Wassouf.

In 2002, Massari recorded and released “Spitfire” which garnered heavy rotation on Ottawa radio stations.  He returned in 2005 with his self-titled debut album release on May 31st, 2005 through MapleNationWide/Universal.  For this record, Massari worked closely with Da Heala of the Capital Prophet Records production team.  The album, with its upbeat club-style tracks, mid-tempo joints and smooth ballads draws influences from Massari’s middle-eastern origins.  “Because of my background, my music is heavily influenced with middle-eastern melodies.”, explains Massari.

Massari (pronounced Ma-Sar-ee) - whose Arabic name literally translated means ‘money’ - has taken the industry by surprise in Canada.  A national indie phenomenon Massari's self-titled album debuted on the Top 40 SoundScan Chart at #29, and #6 on the R&B chart.  The album sold out nationwide in its first couple days of release and has remained in the Top 100 on the Top 200 SoundScan Chart since its release.  The lead off single, “Smile For Me” features former Bad Boy Entertainment recording artist Loon.  “It didn’t matter if he was an established artist or not, it was just the quality of the record, the quality of the music that made me want to get involved”, says Loon about his involvement with Massari and Capital Prophet Records.  The end result was a hit single that spent 24 weeks on the Top 40 chart, peaking at #18 (BDS CHR) in Canada.  Canadian award-winning music video director RT! was responsible for making the “Smile For Me” video one of the hottest urban videos by a Canadian artist.  The video was immediately added to heavy rotation at MuchMusic and MuchVibe and received two 2005 MuchMusic Video Award nominations for Best Independent Video and MuchVibe Best Rap Video. 

His second single “Be Easy”, bettered his first outing and spent close to four months in the Top 10 (peaking at #4) on the Top 40 Chart (BDS CHR).  The video, once again directed by music video director RT!, was instantly added to heavy rotation across the board on video outlets and peaked at the coveted #1 position on the MuchMusic Top 30 Countdown.  Riding high on the success of  “Be Easy” comes the much-anticipated third single “Real Love”.  The romantic ballad shows a softer side to Massari with its beautifully innocent and heartfelt lyrics.  The single found its way into the Top 20 at Canadian CHR/TOP 40 radio after only four weeks and the video was added into heavy rotation across the board at video outlets.  The video directed by RT!, produced by John Nadalin and executive produced by Tony Sal (Capital Prophet Records) brings to life a fabulous story of love, fate and destiny.

Already the biggest selling Canadian R&B artist of 2005, Massari is about to take things global with a recently inked major record deal with Universal Music in Germany for release of his debut CD in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, along with releases confirmed for 18 territories around the world.

Massari will be touring the Middle East soon, more details asap.