Raging Fyah’s Kumar Talks Solo Career

Reggae star Kumar caught up with DancehallMag to discuss life after the release of his album Kulture Walk in 2020. The Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter formerly of the group Raging Fyah has forged a formidable solo career for himself and is in good spirits a year after releasing his debut solo album.

How was it releasing your first solo project Kulture Walk since leaving Raging Fyah?

It has been very exciting and it has also been a learning experience. From switching from a five-piece band to actually having to think everything through on your own, it’s a lot more work but a lot more exciting because then you have more options to decide which direction you truly want to go. So I mean, Kulture Walk, my first album, I felt very liberated doing it. And since leaving the band I think it was the right thing to do-creating my own music.

How has the response been since its release?

The response has been overwhelming. It has been very loud so to speak in some parts. In Kenya, in Mauritius, Jamaica, parts of the U.S., and Europe, I’ve been getting a lot of response from the album. From ages ranging from 11, 12-year-olds to 60, 70-year-olds so it has been really good taking on this journey.

What was your inspiration behind the project?

The inspiration behind the album Kulture Walk came from traveling. It came from traveling around to Mauritius to Indonesia, soul searching, and realizing that we breathe the same air, we’re all one. So the music should also not be limited to just one sound or one particular kinda vibe. So I created the album just trying to explore mainly the world through music so that’s really what was the inspiration.

Did the project fulfill the hopes you had for it?

Yeah, the project did fulfill a lot of my hopes where the responses from people telling me that while it’s not Roots Rocking Reggae as I am known for (heavy-hitting roots rockers), the album was more on the side of world music including my reggae and my roots. But I experimented a lot so I think I feel more liberated. So the fans and the people – whether it was a good comment or bad comment – I really appreciated the honesty. It’s given me direction going forward in terms of how to actually service my market.

How did you feel about doing the Kulture Walk Series in St. Elizabeth in 2020 versus the virtual staging in 2021?

So in 2020 when we did “Kulture Walk” in St. Elizabeth, we did a live series for reggae month in February where we hosted five events in St. Elizabeth. We had Ken Boothe, we had a whole range of artists passing through for the month. So for me, it was really showcasing where I was from and my community and getting them into the vibe, letting them be aware that Kulture Walk is an album by Kumar that’s gonna be released in a few months. So it started out as just promoting the album by giving other people opportunities and “Kulture Walk” has grown since that. This year because of covid we did it virtually and the virtual staging is there online for everybody to see so for a lifetime you could continually watch Kulture Walk and that specific edition of five shows again, virtually. So the difference is we didn’t have the people around to make us feel good so it did kind of feel a little dry but putting it online was one of the best moves because that’s where the world is going. Future plans is just moving that festival around the world, you know.

Which musicians have inspired you the most?

Well musicians that inspire me is a great many. You can say musicians and singers that I really look up to -Dean Fraser, Bob Marley, a lot of different producers and arrangers. So for me outside of reggae as well, I listen to Labi Siffre and I like to tune into heavy metal, rock and roll, I listen to Led Zeppelin, I listen to the great guitar players, and some great drummers. I’m really into drums and guitars, I love hearing those instruments and the saxophone, of course. So musician-wise I’ve been inspired by a lot of music, it’s too hard to listen to one specific thing. But we’re reggae musicians so naturally our own really inspire us first and then we’re exposed to a lot of what’s out there and drawn to it.

What is your dream collaboration?

Yuh done know enuh, we have to just keep making the music. I try not to be anxious for anything or hopeful for certain things because the music is bigger than everybody so I’m willing to work with anybody. Once there is soul, and once there is life and vibe in the music I’m definitely willing to make something happen. But just to give your question a solid answer, Stephen Marley is one of the best producers of our time and I would really love to work with him. On many different levels, I would think John Legend and Alicia Keys and that kind of energy are really good as well. I mean, the list goes on.

Do you have any new projects to look out for in the near future?

Yes, I have a new album with Tad’s Records so that is where things are at right now-new album getting ready before the year is over. And also tours like I’m organizing tours for the USA along with my team, my manager to get things going. That’s really what’s happening, more tours and a brand new album is coming this year as well, and music videos. We’re just pushing it, positive vibration.

How have you adapted to the covid-19 pandemic as a musician? 

Yeah, well we have not been touring so the covid-19 pandemic affected almost every aspect of our lives but I think entertainment and music got hit really hard because we’re used to traveling and touring around the world. Not being able to do that, most of us had withdrawal, most of had the feelings of just being stuck. But you know, the creative energies took over that feeling and everything kinda live. So I think financially a lot of people might be struggling but because we did register our music and we do still promote so we can still survive, just not the way we used to when we’re able to tour and travel and really push your stuff out there. I mean, the world is opening up now so we have to just release back we energies.

What’s next for Kumar?

Just keep your eyes open, look for us on a stage near you. Kumar will be hitting back the road very soon. And as mi seh new music and albums so stay tuned man. And different ventures, you know, non-profits that we support and different things to get the world to a better place. More Life.