b. Dennis McKay, 23 September 1969, Montego Bay, Jamaica, West Indies. When he was just 10 years old Mackie started to emulate Michael Jackson and performed in school concerts. By his twelfth birthday he had learned to play the guitar and the piano, but his first role was as the bass player in a local gospel band. He played with the ensemble on a part-time basis while he pursued a career in accounting. Having qualified in accountancy he discovered that owing to economic difficulties in Jamaica the job opportunities were limited. This led to him becoming a taxi driver instead. He then opted to perform on the hotel circuit in the North Coast. Mackie formed his own band the Rebel Raiders (shortened later to the Raiders) and secured a residency at the popular Sandals resort in Ocho Rios. By 1997 Mackie had begun writing his own material including the radio hits, ‘Never Give Up’, ‘Who Is Your Friend’, ‘Money And Power’, ‘Don’t Blame Me’, ‘Understand Each Other’ and ‘What If’. He supported a number of international artists including, Jay-Z, Shaggy, Gregory Isaacs, Half Pint, the Mighty Diamonds, Mr. Vegas and Yellowman. Mackie Conscious maintained his profile in the new millennium with further releases, ‘Mad World’ and ‘Overtime’.