KUMAR

Kumar’s story is one of talent, a compassionate worldview, determination, and continual growth. His voice has inspired countless in his generation with messages of strength, redemption, and universal love. He spent his formative years as a church drummer before formally studying classical piano and eventually strumming his guitar on stages across the globe.

As a young man from St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, he found himself frequenting sound systems in the neighboring parish of Clarendon, where he would purchase dubplates for resale in other sections of the island. He soon found himself writing for upcoming artists and was mentored as a singer, originally recording under the name Damari. During this time, he studied music at the Edna Manley School of Visual Arts in Kingston (where he currently is a music ambassador to students).

He was approached by Raging Fyah to become the band’s lead singer in 2010, where he returned to using his given name Kumar. With Raging Fyah, Kumar earned a GRAMMY nomination in 2017, for their studio album Everlasting. Raging Fyah toured with the likes of UB40, Rebelution, and Stick Figure, as well as hitting the festival circuit in Europe, Oceania, South America, and Africa.

In 2018, Kumar left Raging Fyah to continue his journey as a solo artist, releasing a handful of singles and an album, Kulture Walk, in 2020 for his own imprint. He also contributed features on tribute albums for legends Dennis Brown and Bob Andy for VP Records. In 2023, Kumar was awarded Best Reggae Act at the Caribbean Afro Music Awards (CAMA) in the UK. Additionally, he collaborated with JAria in their 2024 Reggae Month schedule in Jamaica.

Besides a vibrant solo career, in 2023, Kumar reblazed the fyah, reuniting with three of his founding Raging Fyah brothers to form a new version of the group, now called Kumar & the Original Fyah. Together they staged the 2024 edition of the Wickie Wackie Music Festival in Bull Bay, Jamaica, in February 2024. Kumar also tours with Third World, opening shows with his acoustic set.