Kumar and The 18th Parallel unveil ‘Tales of Reality’

In a fusion of roots reggae and international collaboration, Kumar, the former lead singer of Grammy-nominated Raging Fyah, has joined forces with Switzerland’s critically acclaimed band, The 18th Parallel, to release the album, Tales of Reality.

Produced by Fruits Records and Easy Star Records, this album explores the world where the golden age of Jamaican reggae is reborn with a contemporary and inspiring sound.

Tales of Reality is “a testament to the power of music to bridge cultures, with the album taking shape over four years, from Kingston’s buzzing streets to the peaceful mountains of Geneva”, a press release stated.

The partnership between Kumar and The 18th Parallel was forged through a series of fortunate encounters and shared love for reggae. Their work together can be traced back to 2016 when Kumar, still riding high as Raging Fyah’s lead vocalist, invited the Swiss musicians to join him on stage at the iconic Wickie Wackie Festival in Jamaica. The bond grew stronger over the years, culminating in the creation of Tales of Reality.

“This album is a celebration of the roots, the stories, and the timeless messages embedded in reggae music. It’s about truth – our truth – delivered with the energy and soul that reggae fans all over the world connect with,” said Kumar.

The 12-track album delves into themes of redemption, love, and perseverance, represents a coming-of-age for Kumar. With its blend of traditional reggae riddims and fresh, forward-thinking production, the album is a nod to the past, while firmly grounding itself in the present.

Produced by Antonin Chatelain, Léo Marin, and Mathias Liengme, the album features dub legends Tippy I and JAH David of Zion I Kings, who added their signature touch to the mixing process.

Recording sessions took place across several iconic studios, including Geneva’s Bridge Studio and Kingston’s Tabernacle Studio.

Kumar, who became the lead singer for Raging Fyah in 2010, helped propel the band to international acclaim, eventually earning a Grammy nomination for their 2017 album, Everlasting. His solo career has taken him across the globe, sharing messages of strength, redemption, and universal love.

The 18th Parallel, a collective of Swiss musicians, is renowned for their authentic roots reggae sound. As the house band for Fruits Records, they’ve worked with iconic artists like Max Romeo, Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, and Big Youth. Their collaboration with Kumar on Tales of Reality marks yet another milestone in their career as one of Europe’s most in-demand reggae bands.