Inside-out - CHUCK FENDA

Mikail Samuels, Gleaner Writer

With his strong belief in Rastafari, deejay Chuck Fenda has launched hits such as Gash Dem, Real Man and many more.

Growing up in the inner city of Spanish Town, he said he has been through many struggles and has overcome them all.

Saturday Life invites you to explore the mind of Chuck Fenda, the 'Living Fire'.

• We've read about your name change to The Living Fire. Which do you go by now, performance-wise?

Well, the world will always know who Chuck Fenda is. It's not really a change, it's more like an addition that follows the name: Chuck Fenda, The Living Fire. People expect that when they see me, they know I am coming with fiery lyrics and crazy energy on stage.

• You've been called the Poor People Defender. What burden of responsibility lies on you?

Well, seeing that I am coming out of the inner city, I would know what persons are going through and see the happenings that take place. I have to use my music as a means of getting the message out there. Persons responded to it and started calling me 'Poor People Defender'.

• Regarding the song 'Gash Dem', do you think that's an acceptable punishment?

Never really look at it as a form of punishment, you know, but rather as a message to the people to look within themselves and realise how cruel a man can be to constantly rape a six-year-old girl. That man is to be burnt, that's why I say 'gash dem'. Song like this is to be played every day. It was an inspiration from Jah.

• You were born in the United States. What do you think about the visa issues facing some of our artistes?

My thing was set from Creation, you know. I was born in America, and when I was six months old, my mother sent me back to Jamaica, where I got my education, so I never really grew up there. But still, all I am saying is that the Jamaican artiste can get free up because they are the ones that bring in the revenue into the country, you know, and they need money, too.

• You have embraced the Rastafarian way of life. How does it influence your music?

Before I used to live in the illusion that it was all about the material aspect of life. I was a gangster in Spanish Town. Tunes like Shut Up When Bad Man Talk was all I lived by. But then Jah came to me and said that he is going to make me into a great artiste. I began to pray and get more spiritual because only salvation lasts forever.

• What's the one thing you want Jamaica to know about Rastafarians that you think they don't already know?

Rastafarianism is the way of life, it's a movement. Some people think that Rastas are some sort of gangster people or some man who don't want to comb their hair. It's about nature, and teaches you what is right from what is wrong.

The public don't really understand; they fear what they don't get at times. Rasta teaches how a person is to live and conduct their life.

• What advice would you give to a young Rastafarian coming up in the music business?

Persistence and dedication. This doesn't just go out for only Rastas but any new artiste coming up within the business. You have to believe in yourself. Even now I would get up and see a group of young artistes who want me to listen to CD, but I don't want that. I want to hear what you have on the spot; that shows dedication. You have to know your music.