07/31/2010
Lutan Fyah @ ReggaeJam 7/30/2010
"This event is like a family event and I am glad to be a part of it" says Anthony Martin AKA Lutan Fyah to a literally jammed Reggae Jam Friday night throng. Dressed in a pink polo shirt and ganja leaf turban, he demands to see their lighters in the air.
It is a customary show of good manners for Jamaican artists at these German festivals to draw on locally produced hits from their back catalogue. And the fans respond in kind to When Mi Rise It on Rootdown's Crystal Woman and Bits And Pieces over Pow Pow's Blaze.
"Lyrics are easy", Martin says in the press room after the performance. So although the audience clearly prefer the raucous dancehall moments he often holds the focus on his words by keeping France's Dub Akom band low. He even shows his tender side by singing softly to his female bassist who he invites centre-stage. The people, though comparatively subdued, sing along without prompts. By now instead of lighters aerosol cans are being lit.
He returns for the encore to big up his "Bredda Jah Mason" - while the band scramble for their instruments! - and performs Rasta Still Deh Bout (on yet another German rhythm produced by Brotherman). When he leaves the MC announces the evening's first small "smoke break". After this considered but still smoking set his Reggae Jam family needs it.
Photos of Lutan Fyah's performance HERE
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