Mark Bonafide

Mark Bonafide used to be known as Mark Subra (born July 1, 1979) is one of the pioneers to fuse R&B, Hip-Hop/Rap and Soul in Singapore. He is the co-founder of Singapore's premier critically acclaimed urban group "Bonafide". Mark is of mixed Indian and Chinese descent and attended Boon Lay primary, Jurong Secondary and IBMEC.

Mark was a rapper in "Bonafide" with fellow partner and secondary school classmate Taufik Batisah, who won the first "Singapore Idol" Competition in 2004 and went on to pursue a solo career in music.

Music Profile

He started out in 2001 with the 1st Singapore Idol Taufik Batisah in a group called "Bonafide". They were one of the pioneers to fuse R&B, Soul & Hip-Hop in Singapore. Bonafide as a duo went on to perform numerous gigs including shows for MTV Asia, Numerous clubs and venues in Singapore including Zouk, Phuture & Jams the Club etc. He has also performed in Malaysia for a few events and appeared on Malaysias' hiphop group Teh Tarik Crews' albums.

BVF (Bonafide Vintage Flav'r)

Mark formed "Bonafide Vintage Flav'r" and had commercial as well as critical success with the release of the e.p. "The BVF Project" featuring the number 1 radio hit "Feels Good" and "Disco Love". Their most notable performance was being chosen as one of the opening acts for "The Black Eyed PEAS" first ever concert in Singapore, prior to recording thier e.p.

Appearing in Lime Magazine and Straits Times Life section, BVF (short for Bonafide Vintage Flav'r) was the First Local group to be featured on the Friday weekly Life section dedicated to Local Music)

BVF was also approached to write the theme song for Team Singapore. This was featured as one of the main songs for the IOC meeting that recently took place. On the 24th of July this song was officially launched by none other than our President, S. R. Nathan.

This group was nominated for "Best Music" in the Streetstyle awards held at Zouk on the 16th Dec 2005, Best local act and Best local song for "Feels Good" in 2006 year end awards in local radio station 987FM.

Unfortunately, the successful group disbanded since it was a project-based union, also citing reasons such as creative differences. Although there were many factors and reasons unknown for the split, many speculated that there were internal problems which was taking a toll on the band for a long period of time.

Accomplishments after BVF

Subra also wrote and produced (with local rapper/producer Rauzan) and performed 2 songs for Levi's new Redwire Jeans which was launched in July 2006. These songs can be found on Levi's official website under the R&B and Hip Hop section of the promos.

He also appeared in Taufik's second album, All Because Of You on a track called "Stuck up Girl"

He was spotted to join Jean Danker's ToyBoy, a competition aired on Class 95FM putting together 5 guys ( one each week ) to come on air to show off their various talents and to "win" the heart of Jean and eventually becoming Jean's Toyboy. Mark was chosen for the finals and eventually was crowned the winner garnered by votes from listeners. He also performed an original song "Later2nite" which would eventually become his first solo single.

Mark Bonafide (present and future)

The group has since disbanded but Mark, more driven then ever, is now a solo artiste who's first single "Later2nite" from the upcoming full length album "The Bonafide Experience" topped the local music charts in Singapore 2 weeks in a row in mid Dec 07. This album is written and produced by super musician Don Richmond, veteran producer Jason Tan ( the other half of STEAM! ) superstar Taufik Batisah and Mark Bonafide himself.

Mark is known to push himself artistically and have always stood out from his peers for walking the bold/creative path of music. He has been credited to have influenced a number of other musicians over the years.

The 2nd teaser single "So Bonafide" Featuring Gayle Nerva has been garnering major airplay on radio since it's debut in March '08.

Mark had also enjoyed success in appearing in Taufik's "Stuck Up Girl" and also the massive hit " MYBG", "Round and Round" with Alicia Pan for the MusicAL "Sleepless Town"

"Later2nite" is the only Singapore made Hiphop/R&B song to chart in the 987FM top 100 countdown in 2008.

Mark appeared with Alicia Pan as the headliner for Channel 5's Live n' Loaded Episode 4, performing "Later2nite"/"Your Band" and "Round & Round".

He also released his long awaited solo album " The Bonafide Experience" on the day of his performance mentioning it live on national television

Mark performed for a showcase alongside Vanessa Fernandez and Don Richmond at Mosaic Music Festival in April 09 to a packed audience at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre.

He was the opening act for Craig David's concert at Zirca not long after, chosen by Warner Music and approved by Craig's management. It was revealed in a radio interview that both artistes bonded backstage and will collaborate one day if there was an opportunity.

Mark shot his debut music video for the single "Hey Girl" with Vanessa Fernandez, Don Richmond and Kathlene Mckinney in May 09

What was a bold move for a Singaporean Rap/R&b artiste ( most probably 1 of the only few ) has proven to be a successful one. Mark put together an hour long concert/showcase/album launch at Zirca on the 2nd July to commemorate his birthday & instead of accepting presents, Mark gave back to his fans & supporters a night they never forgot, for a long time to come. He also debuted his music video for his new single titled " Hey Girl" Featuring Vanessa Fernandez at the event (which is on regular playlist on MTV) and requests are pouring in for a 2nd showcase already! "Hey Girl" can be watched on YouTube and has been hailed as one of the best local music videos to come out of Singapore.

He is also the proud Recipient of the Martell's Rising Personality award for his achievement in music for 2009 and The Compass Award for Top Local Song Of The Year for "So Bonafide" in July 2010!

By this time, Mark has performed at countless events including The Youth Olympic Games Singapore 2010 City Celebrations, in which he put together a backing band called "The Afterparty"

Joined by regional hiphop artistes from Malaysia, Indonesia & the Philippines.. Mark joined a hiphop all-star cast for a one off event at the esplanade called" 8block party" and performed a medley of originals and covers including "PYT" by Michael Jackson and the finale with Vanessa Fernandez titled "Tightrope" by Janelle Monae.

He also made an appearance on 987FM Stripped hosted by Vanessa Fernandez with Shigga Shay & The Brown Note to perform acoustic versions of Eminem's "Love The Way You Lie" & Rihanna's "Rude Boy"

2 awards, 10 radio hit singles, 2 albums & loads of performances to his name... he is currently writing, producing & working with several producers on new singles and has recorded a number of them. He is planning on releasing an online e.p. but no official word has been out yet.