Kumar Opens Up About Raging Fyah Split, Debuts His New Album ‘Kulture Walk’

There is still uncertainty as to why Reggae artiste Kumar Bent left Raging Fyah two years ago, as they were growing in popularity and had begun to appeal to a global audience with songs like Music Isn’t Biased.

Since leaving the band, Kumar has successfully embarked on a solo career. He took the time to sit with Winford Williams on the popular Jamaican show OnStage to launch a new video as well as update his fans about his progress and introduce his new album Kulture Walk. He said a lot of what happened to cause the break up is captured in this album.

Raging Fyah broke up because of differences in ideas and opinions, he revealed.  “There’s still not a lot of explanation being done on both sides. My side or the band’s side in terms of what really happen because you know it wasn’t the easiest decision for me to make,” he said.

He admitted that it was a very difficult decision to walk away from the band because he had spent most of his life with them and he also spent a lot of time touring and working on albums. However, he felt that it had become necessary because he believed in himself and the direction that he wanted to head.

He went on to say that since leaving the band the relationships between him and the members have deteriorated. “There is not a lot of communication between Kumar and the guys but I mean I still perform the songs and I still sing the music. I mean in the music business I think that’s beneficial to them and myself.” He added that he wishes them nothing but the best.

Kumar also said he believed that when new groups are forming they should always try to separate business from friendship or it is inevitable that they will eventually fall apart. Added to that he said if someone messes up they should own up to it, fix the problem and then move on.

At this time he’s not concerned so much with sales as much because all he really wants is for his album to touch lives and for fans to realise that he can stand on his own and contribute as an artiste without Raging Fyah.

“It’s really to inspire young artistes as well to say, ‘yo you really don’t need a big label or a big backing behind you all the time, to be honest with yourself or create a body of work that people will like, people will love it once you believe in yourself.”

He also said that fans can expect a totally different sound for this new album because he’s tried to expand his range.

“It’s not just Reggae music, it’s not just roots music, you know, which is my first market, which is my first love.”

He created the album to appeal to the world and said the album is meant to help bring people hope and let them know that their struggles are understood.

Kumar also spoke about his love for his music and the fact that he’s always practising and trying to grow in his craft. He added that he writes most of his music and believes this is why Reggae stars like Chronixx and Protoje have found so much success. He advised younger artistes to accept their shortcomings. For example, if you’re not that good a writer then try going out to seek good ones who can help you improve your music.

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Kumar took the time to thank the several artistes and producers who he collaborated with to create the album, including Agent Sasco, who he said is one of his favorite Dancehall artistes.

“The album is star-studded I think and we have a whole heap ah great music.” The album is distributed by Baco Records.

While his album has been gaining popularity at home he said his biggest fan base at the time is Mauritius in East Africa, which he visited last year. He premiered a song called Dry Bones which featured his soulful voice.

Kumar offered some more advice to young artistes trying to break into the market.
“The youth them need to understand that it’s not about love of money or the love of the popular life style or just being famous or whatever. If you don’t love music now it gwan show.”

He gave his thoughts on the current feuding in the Dancehall industry saying that he believes it’s a cultural thing as artistes always seek to try and outdo one another because of their need to be bigger and “badder”. He said he doesn’t even listen to the clashes as he chooses to remain positive.

While admitting that the COVID-19 pandemic has affected many artistes like himself, Kumar said he’s used the last two months to focus on new projects and spend some more time with his family. The St. Elizabeth singer added that he was thankful for having a farm in this time as it provided food for his family.

Listen to the full album on this YouTube playlist.

The first single on Kulture Walk, Remember Me is available below.