Every so often, we experience the talent of an amazing artist as they establish themselves amongst present and future generations. But for a certain singer/songwriter, he’s already beginning to carve his place with some of history’s greatest musicians. Our rising star, Makio, is showcasing his passion for R&B to the world.

Born in Nairobi, Kenya, but raised in Boston, Massachusetts, Makio fostered his childhood appreciation for music into a full-fledged musical career. Inspired by artists such as Michael Jackson, Prince, and Stevie Wonder, he honed his dancing talent at an early age. As he polished his skills and vocal abilities as a stage performer, by maturing in production plays and state choirs, his dreams of stardom grew. Eventually realizing that music was his only ambition, Makio focused on sharpening his writing skills, and learning the technical aspects of creating music. This eventually led to Makio deferring a full scholarship to college (after a short semester at the Berklee College of Music), pursuing various musical endeavors, and ultimately focusing solely on his musical career.

When Makio’s passion and talent led him to link with Surefire Music Group (Ne-Yo, Brooke Hogan, Jordan Knight, VH1, and MTV) in 2005, he prepared to embark on his most prominent journey yet. Having worked with such artists to date as Q Parker (112), Tony Sunshine (Terror Squad), Donnie Klang (Bad Boy), Serius Jones (Def Jam), and Jon Hope, Makio is quickly building a name for himself throughout the industry. Along with a plethora of college tours, shows, scheduled appearances, over 200,000 online downloads, and sales in other overseas markets, the past few years have proven to be successful for the 25 year old musician. Makio’s clear melodic vocals, guitar skills, and stunning dance choreography have created a huge buzz for him throughout New England. Eventually, his buzz landed him a casting role on MTV's "Making the band 4." After the show aired in June 2007, he gained international recognition and a worldwide fan base.

After his 2008 debut self-titled release, Makio has experienced nothing but an upward path to success. Not only has the album had tremendous digital success, but over 12,000 physical units were licensed and shipped within U.S. and Japanese music markets. Fans still go crazy over the album’s first single "Can I Come Over," which attracted the attention of singer/songwriter Ryan Leslie and led 112's Q Parker to Boston in 2006 to work with the young R&B star. Makio’s second single “Trippin,” a vocal pop-smash about catching a cheating girlfriend, has an official music video and over 50,000 downloads through multiple internet vendors.

Due to the successful momentum of his first LP, Makio is currently working on two projects: His sophomore album entitled “Love Side Down” and also a mixtape entitled “Hybrid” which are both to be released in 2012. Making his second home in LA over the past few years, Makio has rooted himself in the cali-swag movement (spacy drums and leads with a laid back swing). He hopes to bring that new sound back to the east-coast with him on his new mixtape.

Currently in the studio with the Surefire team, Makio is ready to prove to himself and his fans that he will set the bar even higher with these new projects. While also finding time to tighten his guitar skills, sharpen his dance abilities, and polish his vocals, Makio is gearing himself up for his biggest release to date.

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