Authentic Heart, Resilient Riddims: F.Y.A.H.'s Debut Weaves Hope Through Reggae's Roots
Luka H, dubnreggaeambassador, breaks down Fee Your Authentic Heart, the debut album by F.Y.A.H.
F.Y.A.H., the vibrant new musical collective spearheaded by Delroy "Pele" Hamilton, bassist and co-founder of acclaimed reggae band Raging Fyah, arrives with a sound born from pandemic introspection and creative collaboration.
Free Your Authentic Heart, their highly anticipated debut album, showcases a rich tapestry of reggae influences woven together with diverse musical threads, the culmination of Pele's personal reflection and a desire to blend reggae traditions with fresh musical perspectives.
The album explores F.Y.A.H. 's vision, brought to life with the help of esteemed collaborators, that shape this compelling collection of powerful and moving tracks infused with messages of hope, resilience, and love.
F.Y.A.H., the vibrant new musical collective spearheaded by Delroy "Pele" Hamilton, bassist and co-founder of acclaimed reggae band Raging Fyah, arrives with a sound born from pandemic introspection and creative collaboration. Free Your Authentic Heart, their highly anticipated debut album, showcases a rich tapestry of reggae influences woven together with diverse musical threads, the culmination of Pele's personal reflection and a desire to blend reggae traditions with fresh musical perspectives.
The album explores F.Y.A.H. 's vision, brought to life with the help of esteemed collaborators, that shape this compelling collection of powerful and moving tracks infused with messages of hope, resilience, and love.
A key element of Free Your Authentic Heart's sonic richness lies in the contributions of its guest artists. Legendary British reggae band Steel Pulse lends their powerful presence to the album. Soulful vocalist Hollie Cook graces the tracks with her distinctive style. Renowned Jamaican bassist/producer Glen Browne anchors the rhythms with his deep reggae expertise. And Italian reggae artist Alborosie brings his unique energy to the mix.
Each of these collaborations adds distinct textures and broadens the album's sonic palette, enriching the listening experience and contributing to the album's overall message, all while honouring its reggae foundations.
Free Your Authentic Heart delves into a rich tapestry of human experience, exploring themes of hope, resilience, and love in their various forms.
The album reflects on personal journeys of self-discovery and growth, acknowledging the challenges and triumphs that shape us. From calls for justice and liberation to intimate reflections on relationships and inner peace, F.Y.A.H. navigates a range of emotions and perspectives. The album's overarching message emphasizes the power of perseverance and the importance of finding light even in the darkest of times, ultimately offering a message of upliftment and connection.
"Freedom Fighter" feat. Steel Pulse, is a powerful anthem of resistance, confronting systemic injustices with potent lyrics and vibrant reggae rhythms. This collaboration amplifies the voices fighting for truth and rights, echoing Steel Pulse's history of conscious music and urging listeners to action.
"Free Your Heart" shifts the focus inward, exploring mental health and emotional well-being. This track offers solace and guidance, emphasizing self-care, mindfulness, and emotional honesty as paths towards inner peace and healing.
"Hold Up I Head" feat. Glen Browne, delves into spirituality and self-belief. With a spiritual and defiant tone, this deeply personal track addresses resilience and overcoming adversity, reflecting Pele's own experiences and struggles through a powerful soundscape. I’m particularly impressed with the flow of this track, the poetic verse backed by harmonic riddims, that progress into a rich tapestry of sounds. “This is the world that we living in, they been trying to slim our people from the beginning, is it because of my melanin, babylon a fight we but we not giving in”. The steady pace of the drums invoke the feeling of progress throughout the song.
F.Y.A.H.'s debut, Free Your Authentic Heart, makes a mighty statement. Blending reggae with a variety of diverse influences. The album is enriched, of course, by guest artists Steel Pulse, Hollie Cook, Glen Browne and Alborosie, who all bring a unique vibe to each track.
Free Your Authentic Heart is an honest exploration of emotions, with messages of hope and resilience that firmly establish F.Y.A.H. within the reggae scene. I’m looking forward to the future of F.Y.A.H.
By Luka H.
