For the first time in nearly three years, reggae vocalist and singjay Lutan Fyah takes to the Ashkenaz stage, bringing the full power of his conscious lyrics and hypnotic rhythms from his recordings, including the 2009 double-disc, 30-song “Africa,” issued by San Francisco label 2B1 Records. Lutan Fyah says of his role, “Rastafari livity means to tolerate and to live side by side with those of other faiths no matter which race, no matter which class. The purpose of Haile Selassie is to see that we become one in unity and love … and that is my purpose.”

Born in Jamaica in 1975, Anthony Martin (Lutan Fyah) apprenticed in the dancehall scene, deejaying and singing, inspired by Jamaican vocal greats Dennis Brown and Garnet Silk. He began recording for Buju Banton’s Gargamel Records in 1999. He released his first album, “Dem No Know Demself” (on the Minor7Flat5 label). His recordings since then include “Time & Place,” “Healthy Lifestyle,” “You Bring Blessings,” and the compilation CD “Phantom War.”

After its memorably blazing appearance at Ashkenaz in February backing I-Wayne and Chuck Fenda, iKronik returns with the music the band envisions as the future of classic reggae band sound. IKronik features guitarist/singer Wendel “Junior Jazz” Ferrero and Junior “KavaJah” Johnson on keyboards, guitar, and vocals, plus the core of the classic Gumption band: Rolando “Phanso” Wilson on drums, Dwight “Duke” Dawes on keys, and bassist/singer Isaiah “Onie” Palmer. With years of experience under the name Gumption playing on the largest stages worldwide, iKronik brings a sound that is deep, familiar, and fresh all at the same time. Beginning as Gumption in 1994, Phanso, Onie, and Duke backed such greats as Beres Hammond, Dennis Brown, Marcia Griffiths, and Judy Mowatt. Adding Junior Jazz and KavaJah, they continue that legacy as iKronik. Such new songs as “Journey” and “Right on Time” are being recorded for the group’s debut album.