This Carnival Saturday, the vibrant energy of Kingston’s Casa Mila will serve as the backdrop for a major artistic evolution. Marie-ange Pollonais the critically acclaimed visual artist known regionally as Artbylunamar, is officially stepping into the music industry with the premiere of her debut single, “Back It Up.”
Having solidified her reputation as one of the most promising visual talents in the Caribbean and the Caribbean diaspora spanning from her roots in Trinidad & Tobago to her influential presence in Tampa, Florida and now Miami, Florida she is no stranger to high-level creation. Known for her striking aesthetic and ability to command a room with her visual work, she is now translating that same “high-concept” energy into sound.
The choice of Jamaica for this launch is deeply intentional. Exactly two years ago, Pollonais traveled to the island for the first time to spearhead the groundbreaking Worlds Collide Art Show. That event bridge-built connections between regional artists and established her as a visionary leader in the Caribbean creative space. Returning to Kingston on the most anticipated weekend of the year represents a poetic “full circle” for the artist.
“I’ve always understood how to create at a high level visually,” says Pollonais. “Transitioning into music feels like adding a new dimension to the same soul. Two years ago, I brought art to Jamaica; this year, I’m bringing the rhythm. It’s time to back it up.”
“Back It Up” is more than just a song; it is a testament to the multidisciplinary nature of the modern Caribbean artist. With a look that is already “stage-ready” and a creative discipline honed through years of professional painting, Artbylunamar is poised to disrupt the music scene with the same intensity she brought to the gallery.
Attendees of Casa Mila will be the first to experience the fusion of Artbylunamar’s visual world and her new sonic identity. This debut marks the beginning of a new chapter where art and dancehall culture collide.
