Quick Info
| Profession | R, B Singer |
|---|---|
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | 27/08/1986 |
| Age | 40 years |
| Birthplace | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Latest News about Mario
Mario headlined the Coca-Cola Main Stage at the ESSENCE Festival of Culture in New Orleans on 5 July 2026. His set included fan favourites such as 'Let Me Love You' and 'Just a Friend,' and he told ThisIsRnB that the festival was about celebrating culture.
Mario and girlfriend Esmeralda Rios welcomed their first child, a baby boy, on 26 January 2026. He announced the birth through an Instagram Story, sharing a photo of himself in hospital scrubs and calling the arrival a healthy baby boy. The name of the child was not publicly revealed in the announcement.
Mario announced that he and his partner Esmeralda Rios were expecting their first child together. The news was shared publicly after the couple began appearing together on social media earlier in 2025, and it marked a major personal milestone for the singer.
Mario publicly criticized violence and self-hate in the Black community in an Instagram Story, urging people to stop glorifying the killing of their own. The post drew attention because it came shortly after the start of Donald Trump's new presidential term and was widely circulated as a pointed social message.
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Bio/Wiki
| Real Name/Full Name | Mario Dewar Barrett |
|---|
Physical Stats & More
| Height | 5' 10" (178 cm) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 75 Kg (165 lbs) |
| Eye Color | Black |
| Hair Color | Black |
Educational Qualification(s)
| School | Milford Mill Academy, Baltimore |
|---|---|
| College/University | Did not attend |
| Educational Background | 10th grade |
Personal Life
| Food Habit | Non-vegetarian |
|---|---|
| Tattoo(s) |
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Relationships & More
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
|---|---|
| Affairs/Girlfriends | Kris Stephens (2021; singer & songwriter) |
Family
| Father | Derryl Barrett Sr. (Singer in the gospel group named Reformation) |
|---|---|
| Mother | Shawntia Hardaway (Died in 2017) |
| Siblings | Half-Brother: Derryl 'D.J.' Barrett Jr. (Drummer) |
| Children | One son (born January 2026) with girlfriend Esmeralda Rios |
Career
| Debut Album | Mario (2002) |
|---|---|
| Television Debut | The Saturday Show (2003 as himself, aired on BBC One) |
| Film Debut | Uncle P (2004 as himself) |
| First Album Release | He started recording his first album in July 2001, which was released in March 2002. |
| Second Album Release | On December 7, 2004, he launched his second album 'Turning Point' which featured the hit single 'Let Me Love You.' This track topped the Billboard Hot 100 for nine consecutive weeks. |
| Notable Documentary | In October 2007, he was part of an MTV documentary titled 'I Won’t Love You to Death: The Story of Mario and His Mom,' showcasing his efforts to support his mother in overcoming addiction. |
| Recent Achievement | In December 2024, Mario gained attention as the runner-up on FOX's 'Masked Singer,' where he performed as 'The WASP.' |
| Awards | Two Billboard Music Awards for 'Let Me Love You' |
| Nominations | Two Grammy Award nominations |
| Stage Role | Starred in the live television production of Rent (2019) |
| Latest Studio Album | Glad You Came (released December 13, 2024 via his New Citizen imprint with Epic Records; his sixth studio album) |
Some Lesser Known Facts
| 1. Mario faced challenges during his childhood, living with his grandmother due to his mother's struggles with drug addiction. | |
| 2. At the tender age of four, he expressed his aspiration to become a singer. | |
| 3. His mother encouraged him to perform at local barbershops, which helped him earn money and hone his talent. | |
| 4. He was part of a musical group in school where he learned piano, which became fundamental in his music creation. | |
| 5. At 11, he performed 'I’ll Make Love to You' at a talent show, leading to a significant break with Third Street Music Group Production. | |
| 6. After the passing of his grandmother in 1999, his music producer Troy Patterson took on the role of his guardian. | |
| 7. His music teacher at Milford Mill Academy played a pivotal role in motivating him to pursue a career in music. | |
| 8. Mario signed a record deal with J Records at just 14 years old. | |
| 9. He drew inspiration from iconic artists such as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson among others. | |
| 10. In 2006, disputes with his producer led to them parting ways, and he hired a new manager. | |
| 11. Mario is known for his talent, but he has also faced controversies, including a lawsuit from his mother in 2010 that was later retracted. |
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