F.Y.A.H. inspires us to free our authentic hearts with their powerful reggae music

F.Y.A.H. Photo courtesy of VP Reggae.

The Daily Reggae Artist of the Month is F.Y.A.H. Daily Reggae connected with F.Y.A.H.’s bassist Delroy 'Pele' Hamilton to learn about the Jamaican band’s exciting momentum and debut album due out in February 2025.

Happy New Year F.Y.A.H. family! Reflecting on 2024, what are some of the accomplishments that the band is proud of?

2024 was a big year for us. We started off with a scorching single, “Again & Again,” featuring our brother Dada Yute from Brazil. That song opened some doors and gave us recognition in South America. We also went on our first West Coast tour as the opening act for Alborosie. It was an incredible experience for us.

For new fans who haven’t been introduced to your music yet, can you share the story of how your band came together?

F.Y.A.H. is a project that came to life during the pandemic, a time when isolation gave me space to reflect and grow. As a co-founder, leader, and bassist of the Jamaican reggae band Raging Fyah, I’ve been fortunate to be part of something special, including three albums and even a Grammy nomination for Everlasting. But during that time, I felt a personal drive to push myself further—as a writer, musician, and producer. That journey is what led to the creation of F.Y.A.H.

The band is a collaboration with Nicolas Groskopf (guitarist) and Elton Earlington (lead vocals), and, since the start, we’ve been sharing ideas about the direction, sound, and image that we’re going for. We started going to the studio, recording, and bringing those ideas to life. Our touring lineup also includes Glendon Clarke (drummer) and Miguel Anderson (keyboards and background vocals).

What is life like in Jamaica, and how often does the band come together to practice? Do you have a favorite place to play

Jamaica is the root and hub of our existence. The culture and heritage run deep, and we’re proud to represent our country. The livity of our people inspires us as creatives. As a nation, we are confident, and it shows in our swag, how we walk, how we talk—it’s that daily livity that we pour back into the music. Jamaica is like one big TV series, with diverse activities happening every day.

We have our own studio, which serves as our base for rehearsals and recording. We try to rehearse at least three times a week, even if there are no upcoming shows, and more frequently leading up to performances or tours.

How is your new music coming along?

We’re really excited about everything we worked on in the studio last year. With that being said, I’m proud to announce that our debut album, Free Your Authentic Heart, is coming out on February 21! It includes some songs you might already know, like “I Believe” with Alborosie and “Freedom Fighter” with David Hinds of Steel Pulse, but there’s also a lot of fresh new music for fans to dive into. Before the album drops, we’ll be releasing a new single, “King’s Highway,” featuring Ras-I and Abel Miller, later this month. 2025 is going to be all about sharing more music with you, and we can’t wait!

Can you share anything about the new tunes and what fans can expect in 2025?

For this album, we’ve stayed true to authentic reggae music, delivering positive and uplifting messages. Reggae is the heartbeat of F.Y.A.H., but we’ve also brought in influences from other styles to create a sound that reflects our journey and experiences. We love reggae deeply, and while we explore different vibes, it’s always at the core of what we do. 

Touring with Alborosie last year was a huge run for the band! How is your planning going for 2025, and what can fans expect at your live shows?

Touring is definitely in the plans, especially once the album drops. There’s nothing like being on stage and connecting with the audience—it’s something we love and look forward to. Fans can expect the same electrifying, soulful vibe they know us for, but with the added excitement of some brand-new songs from the album. It’s going to bring a fresh energy to our shows, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone.

What’s the best way for fans to follow your band, and is there any message you’d like to share with them?

You can find our music on all streaming platforms, and keep up with us on Instagram and Facebook at @F.Y.A.H.music. Don’t forget to check out our website at fyahmusicofficial.com for all the latest updates.

The message is always love. We want to inspire everyone to Free Your Authentic Heart.