Iyaz

Iyaz is a British Virgin Islands singer and songwriter who became an international sensation with his catchy hit “Replay.” Known for blending pop, R&B, and Caribbean influences, he built a sound that stood out on radio during the late 2000s and early 2010s. His music connected with listeners around the world, making him one of the Caribbean artists to break into mainstream international pop during that period.

Early Life and Background

Iyaz was born Keidran Kenmore Jones on April 15, 1987, in Tortola, the largest island in the British Virgin Islands. He grew up in a musical family, and music played an important role in his early life. His Caribbean surroundings also helped shape the rhythmic influences that later became part of his style.

Rather than relying only on natural talent, Iyaz developed his musical knowledge by studying digital recording at the New England Institute of Technology. This gave him a better understanding of music production and the technical side of creating songs. Before international fame, he worked on his music and built an audience through online platforms, including MySpace. 

Education

Iyaz studied digital recording at the New England Institute of Technology in Warwick, Rhode Island.

How Iyaz Became Famous

Iyaz’s big break came in 2008 when Jamaican-American singer Sean Kingston discovered his music on MySpace. Kingston recognized his potential and helped him secure a recording deal with Time Is Money and Beluga Heights.

In 2009, Iyaz released “Replay,” the song that changed his career. Its memorable chorus, upbeat production, and Caribbean-inspired sound quickly caught the attention of music fans. The single climbed to No. 2 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and reached No. 1 in several other countries, including the United Kingdom. It also earned multi-platinum certifications in the United States. 

Following that success, Iyaz released “Solo” in 2010. The song became another international hit, reaching No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart. He later released his debut album, Replay, which featured music that continued his blend of pop melodies and island influences.

Other Songs and Collaborations

Iyaz expanded his career through collaborations with several well-known performers. He recorded “Gonna Get This” with Miley Cyrus for the television series Hannah Montana, introducing his music to a younger audience. He also appeared on tracks with artists including Charice and Mann, demonstrating his ability to work across different pop and R&B styles. 

Although his later releases did not match the enormous commercial success of “Replay,” he continued making music. His work includes the 2017 track “How Many Times,” featuring Nigerian singer Timaya. 

Legacy

Iyaz remains best known for “Replay,” a song that continues to bring back memories of the late-2000s pop era. His journey from Tortola to international charts highlights how online discovery, musical talent, and the right industry connections can create major opportunities.