5 Questions with Lutan Fyah

Known for his songs of liberation, unity, marijuana, and Rastafarian roots, reggae artiste Lutan Fyah, born Anthony Martin, has made his mark both locally and internationally. Hailing from Spanish Town, St Catherine, Lutan Fyah – sometimes called ‘Lute and Fyah’ – studied architecture at the University of Technology and played professional football for Constant Spring FC before starting his musical career in 1999.

The Rasta Still Deh Bout singer has collaborated with several artistes, including Fantan Mojah, Turbulence and Pressure, while also producing tracks on his own like Save the Juvenile, Spliff Tail, Weed Ooh, and Fake Friend.

When he’s not in the studio creating new music, Lutan Fyah serves as the manager, coach, and primary investor of his community football team, Beacon Hill FC, and offers financial support to families and residents in his area.

Now on tour in the US, The Gleaner’s 5 Questions With... had a chance to quickly catch up with him.

1. How has the tour been going so far and do you have a favourite moment to share?

I’m here in the USA on tour for four to five weeks and trust me it’s going great. I’m gathering in some new fans. For me this tour is different and I’m learning a lot about the music and the business of music, and how to navigate my sound through the music territories to keep relevancy.

2. You’ve been doing music for over two decades. How have you managed to maintain relevance in the reggae space?

Well for me, I think is a huge music inna small space and that made it possible for me to see how the reggae influence work with the fans. The creativity comes from the people’s lifestyle and the way they dance to music. It’s important to understand world affairs, culture, religion, politics and also understand opinions and how the world sees things around me. With all that, I describe a particular way of life with a simple melody through the wisdom of Rastafari .

3. What can fans expect from your upcoming song ‘See Me Struggle’ that’s a part of Teccentric Records’ Harmonious Riddim? And, are there any other projects you’re working on?

I think the song See Me Struggle speaks for itself. Life in music is a struggle as many artistes would say. My struggle is strange as I sing a particular music called reggae. Each line in this song says exactly what I’ve been through; it’s the reality I face from day one. I think about giving up but when I listen around I realise that there’s a space for my music in the hearts of the people. I’m working on other projects and tour plans as we speak . My new album Strength and Resilience produced by I-Grade Records from the US Virgin Islands St Croix is scheduled for release in October this year.

4. Your initial influence of African consciousness came from your grandfather, Tamba. How does this impact your music?

The music and the dancehall vibes that influence my music [started in] my grandfather’s yard where I grew up in Spanish Town. There was a sound system in the yard, right there, where some of Jamaica’s great dancehall and reggae artistes started their thing. Right deh so, in Mr Tamba’s yard, across the Old Iron Bridge/Old Road, I was born [and raised] with Major Warriors, Papa San, Dirtsman, Monksman, Jonatan Wolfman, Daddy Gravel, and Lady G. We are one family up to now. As for the African consciousness [in my music], that comes from Haile Selassie, Marcus Garvey, Charlie Edwards, and all African leaders who liberated Africa from European colonialism, [along with] studying the Bible and mankind’s history on earth.

5. You’re known for your philanthropic work in the Spanish Town community. What keeps you motivated to give back and inspire the youth?

My motivation comes from the support I receive from the community, especially knowing that people work hard for their money and choose to spend it on my music and entertainment. It’s important for me to give back because I believe in sharing what I earn with those who made it possible. Through initiatives like Beacon Hill FC, I get to see firsthand the impact we can have on the youth, helping them stay focused, develop their talents, and aspire for something greater. It’s my way of showing gratitude and ensuring that the next generation has the opportunities they deserve.

BRAWTA: What’s something that might surprise your fans about you?

I’m not sure what will surprise anyone these days, for real. But I consider myself to be simple, and maybe some people will think I am not.

rollesha.laing@gleanerjm.com