Although I have known Fikir Amlak for years, I only know part of his story. With Caribbean and Latin-American heritage, his early years were split between America and the Caribbean, where he came into contact with the Rastafari order at a young age. The resonance was immediate and he rapidly embraced Rastafari culture, philosophy and music - which has regulated his life since. After moving to Santa Cruz, California he took part in a series of solo and collective musical works from 2002 to 2006. Growing disillusioned with the music business, he took a 7-year sabbatical from recording. During this period he lived a severely reclusive life - studying and training with Rastafari in the hills of California and Jamaica, and continuing to release previously recorded music. Around the year 2013, various producers encouraged him to return to the music world and he began recording again. Since that time, he has recorded extensively - only a fraction of which has been released. The reggae / roots / dub / sound system world has embraced him, and his rise has been meteoric. Promoting a balance of mental, spiritual and physical fitness, his message has arrived like a breath of fresh air. Although he often hints at leaving the music business again, for the time being we can expect more releases, more live performances, and hopefully more insight into the man Fikir Amlak.

Mike B, Akashic Records