Empire I | Talks New Music, Her Roots, & Reggae Influence!

Summary: <p><strong>Empire I</strong> (true name <strong>Miriam Moufide</strong>, also stage-named <strong>The Gangstress</strong>) is a singer, songwriter and social activist based in Kingston, Jamaica. 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.</p><p>Moufide, having taken the stage name <em>Empire I</em>, 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 I has played in over 20 different countries, including Brazil, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Senegal and Canada and the American festivals SXSW and CMJ.</p><p>On her more recent albums, Empire I has worked and recorded with world-renowned producers like Prayon 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.</p><p>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.</p><p>In 2012, Empire I relocated to Jamaica where she has been touring and recording, collaborating with a variety of producers including Truckback, J.Hennessy, Sam Diggy, Frassman Brilli and Rebel Camp Entertainment.</p><p>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".</p>