Jamaican roots reggae band F.Y.A.H. is ready to make its boldest statement yet with its debut album, Free Your Authentic Heart. The 13-track project will be released on February 21 via Dub Rockers, an imprint of VP Records.
The band first took shape in 2020 under the leadership of Delroy “Pele” Hamilton, bassist and co-founder of the Grammy-nominated group Raging Fyah. During the isolation of the pandemic, Pele’s desire to pursue a new artistic project deepened, so he joined forces with guitarist Nicolas Groskopf and vocalist Elton Earlington to bring that vision to life. Together, they formed the trio at the heart of the band, pushing the boundaries of reggae by blending global influences with the foundational sounds they grew up with and love.
The journey so far has been marked by incredible highs, including collaborations with giants of the genre like Steel Pulse (“Freedom Fighter”), Josey Wales (“One Day Soon”), and Alborosie (“I Believe”), as well as memorable appearances on platforms like NYC’s SummerStage and Sugar Shack Sessions. However, the path to this point has not been without its challenges.
The album aims to capture the full spectrum of that experience. With lyrics as honest as they are heartfelt, the band delves deep into subjects of systemic injustice and liberation (“Freedom Fighter”), mental health (“Free Your Heart”), and romantic bliss (“Love Got a Hold”). Their songs span a wide emotional range, from the spiritual defiance of “Hold Up I Head” to the carefree joy of “Oh Oh Oh (Jammin’).”
Notably, British lovers rock revivalist Hollie Cook joins them on “When I’m With You,” bringing soulful warmth to this portrait of a divine connection. Meanwhile, on “Live My Life,” the band explores the regret of ruining a relationship, capturing the ache of longing for a second chance at romance. The project concludes with the hopeful “Brighter Day,” which drives home the album’s central message: love and faith can overcome even the toughest challenges.
“This project is my life’s testimony and the philosophy by which I live,” shares Pele. “Once there’s life, it’s more than enough reason to keep giving your best.”
He continues: “Four years ago, while at one of my lowest points, I had no choice but to surrender my all to music. What started with simple voice-note recordings, pen and paper, and an acoustic guitar has now blossomed into the truest and purest reflection of how I was feeling and what I was going through, as well as what I wanted to share with the world. The songs on this album are very special to me, and I do hope that you’ll find the same solitude when you listen.”
In the lead-up to the project, F.Y.A.H. was named Daily Reggae’s Artist of the Month for January 2025. You can read that feature here.
Free Your Authentic Heart will be available digitally everywhere on February 21.