Lutan Fyah is a Jamaican reggae singer and musician from Thompson Pen, Spanish Town, in St. Catherine, Jamaica. Born Anthony Martin, he grows up in an environment where music is constant, with a grandfather who runs a sound system and visiting artists including Lt. Stitchie, Papa San and Lady G practising in the family yard.

He embraces Rastafari at the age of sixteen, and this remains central to his work, although his songs are not limited to explicitly Rastafarian themes. He presents himself as a songwriter, singer, deejay and chanter, and he also plays guitar, keyboards and the kette drum. He develops a distinctive vocal style over time, while keeping a strong emphasis on originality in his writing and performance.

Early life and football

Before focusing on music, Martin plays football in local community teams as a midfielder. He goes on to St. Andrew Technical High School and later plays professionally in the Jamaican Premier League for De la Vega and Constant Spring. He turns away from football in 1999 and begins pursuing a musical career in Kingston.

Recording career

After early experiences with record producers in Kingston, he finds a supportive reception at Mark Myrie’s Aksum Studios, where his promise is recognised. He then spends time at Gargamel, recording more than sixteen songs for Buju Banton while also working with other producers. His first release comes on the Crazy Hate label, and the track “Ambassador” marks him out as an emerging voice in Jamaican music.

Style and themes

Lutan Fyah’s music draws on reggae and dancehall, with strong roots and Rasta influences. He describes his outlook in terms of unity, love, and living alongside people of different faiths, and his lyrics range across a wide set of subjects rather than remaining fixed to one message. His work is shaped by his Rastafarian beliefs and by the idea of being a “living man with work to do.”