Hopeton Blair, more popularly known as Star Bingi, is a reggae artist and songwriter who hails from Waterhouse, Kingston 11 (Jamaica).  

Growing up in the musical community of Waterhouse had a great impact on Star Bingi’s career, as a lot of his initial inspiration came from being around reggae legends like Junior Reid and Half Pint. While growing up, his uncle, Hugh ‘Bingi’ Blair (father of popular entertainer Ikaya), often encouraged him to work on his craft by exposing him to veteran artists such as Bounty Killer and Capleton.

While attending Jamaica College, Star Bingi understood that education had to be his main priority, and as such, he majored in business administration before venturing into music professionally.

In the year 2000, after finishing high school, Star Bingi migrated to the United Kingdom; it was around this time that he started to commit himself more music and the possibility of a full time career in the industry. When asked to recap what those early days were like, Star Bingi said the following: “It all began with me having this new energy matched with the profound love for the music , and the emergence began of me developing as an artist and it wasn’t long after I started voicing for producers whom I met. During these early times I was boosted by the response I got and the love grew more for the music.”

Since being in London, Star Bingi has had the opportunity to share the stage with some very noteworthy reggae and dancehall acts: Nesbeth, Junior Cat, Gage, Ras Charmer, and that is just to name a few. He has also performed on some of the more popular reggae events and venues: The Coronet, The Ritzy, Amersham Arms (London), The Great Western Roll Call (Manchester), The Jam, Hootananny (Brixton), and so much more.

Over the years Star Bingi has built up a growing fan base with supporters scattered all over the world. He has released numerous singles for both Jamaican and British producers; and has been, and continues to get steady radio rotation including on BBC 1xtra with Seani B.

Star Bingi’s current focus is on promoting his brand new EP titled OPTIMUM, which is on his own label, Optimum Productions. It’s a seven track project with both reggae and dancehall songs, which can now be streamed and downloaded from all music platforms. Bingi had this to say about the release of OPTIMUM; “this I believe will propel my musical career to a greater heights based on the reviews it has been receiving.  Other songs also available on digital download are Hot Second Visionary Born Rasta all on the Otis Riddim Production label. How could I forget to mention Work &Hustle a collaboration with Dohlance and Ric Carbi that will definitely be a single the world will love along with the video to drop instantly.”

Star Bingi who has been dubbed by his peers as “The Expressionist” stands by his belief that music is a domain that should be used to motivate, encourage, entertain and spread the love rather than for monetary gain. There is also the greater impact it has on the lives of human beings and the connection to the soul.