Grammy-nominated reggae band crafts sound from worldwide audiences
Whether you’re a reggae fan or not, Kingston, Jamaica band Raging Fyah is sure to turn you into a believer. The five-piece band had the audience at the Tito’s Homemade Vodka Stage in the palm of their hands as new and day-one fans waved their arms to the sound of enticing snare drums and lead vocalist Kumar “Kumz” Bent’s captivating voice.
The reggae group that started in 2006 comprises of lead vocalist Kumar “Kumz” Bent, bassist Delroy “Pele” Hamilton, Anthony “ToniDrumz” on the drums, lead guitarist Courtland “Gizmo” White and Demar “Demz” Gayle on the keyboard.
The band’s Austin City Limits performance follows a year of touring and a nomination for Best Reggae Album for the 2016 creation, “Everlasting,” at last year’s Grammy Awards. While the band didn’t win the Grammy, the nomination proved to be an essential boost.
“It’s overwhelming to know that we’ve been putting in the work over the years and to be nominated just makes us want to do more work,” said Demar “Demz” Gayle.
Following a show at Antone’s on 5th Street on Saturday, Oct. 14, Raging Fyah’s tour will proceed to locations across the globe like Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Germany and more.
While on tour, the band enjoys their ritual cooking of a variety of vegetarian meals like fish, salmon and rice with plenty of veggies. The band will eat their tour-cookings as they vibe and write songs according to Kumar “Kumz” Bent.
The group’s Jamaican roots have clearly played role in reggae influences; however, rock makes its way into Raging Fyah’s sound as well.
“There’s a lot of great artists that we take a little bit from,” Bent said. “From the reggae world, Bob Marley and Burning Spear.”
Aside from a remix of “Would You Love Me” released in May, Raging Fyah currently doesn’t have a name for what’s to come. Although, Gayle did say that the band is working on releasing new songs and eventually a full-length album to follow their hit-album, “Everlasting.” The band is, however, open to any sound that may come their way.
”Who knows,” Gayle said. “It’s Austin City Limits, who knows who we might get to know.”
While the Grammy nomination has played part in Raging Fyah’s rising stardom, Bent emphasizes that the journey encountered its bumps in the road.
“We’re a team of unified young men working together,” said Bent in addressing what fans might not know about them. “It’s a whole lot of work, doesn’t mean it’s easy.”
When asked if they would make changes if allowed, the overall consensus revealed an appreciation for every aspect of the journey.
”I would change a faster means to get there,” Delroy “Pele” Hamilton said in contemplation of what part he would alter.
In the end, the band agreed upon a strong sense of pride when reminiscing on their musical path.
“No regrets,” Bent said as his fellow band members nodded in agreement.