Review: Keznamdi Blends All Pieces on Blood and Fyah, Bridging Roots and Modern Sounds

With his sophomore album debuting at #1 on the iTunes Reggae Albums chart, the singer-rapper brings together all elements—star-studded collaborations and powerful reflections on daily issues - into an outstanding body of work.

Keznamdi showcases his versatility and vision

Reggae artist Keznamdi is back with his sophomore project Blood and Fyah, which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Reggae Albums chart upon release. The 13-track album has already begun making waves, further cementing his place as one of reggae’s most dynamic independent voices.

Blending a mix of sounds, from roots and contemporary reggae to elements of dancehall, Afrobeats, R&B, and hip-hop, Blood and Fyah continues Keznamdi’s exploration of the evolving landscape of modern reggae while showcasing his signature flair and versatility.

The album features powerhouse collaborations, including the previously released “Bun Di Ganja” with Mavado and Marlon Asher, the opening track “I Am” with his sister Kelissa, and the uplifting “Forever Grateful” featuring dancehall star Masicka, an anthem that celebrates gratitude for life, accomplishments, and the lessons learned from tough times.

Collecting the pieces, fragments, and thoughts released over the past five years since his debut album, Keznamdi now condenses them into a unified body of work. This includes tracks such as “Pressure,” “Identity Crisis,” and “Serious Times,” which reflect the challenges of the global pandemic. The singer-rapper also maintains his powerful messages in “Time,” a recent release that delivers a resounding statement. Together, these songs highlight themes of upliftment, confront pressing challenges, and directly address governments.

With several songs already climbing the iTunes Reggae Top Songs chart, Keznamdi showcases his versatility also on “The Jordan River,” a track that nods to classic reggae while blending guitars with an acoustic touch, giving listeners the sensation of diving into the depths of water.

Born to Rastafarian parents who performed with the iconic reggae group Chakula, he stays true to reggae’s authentic roots while adding a modern twist on songs like “Pomps and Pride” and “Colonial Bondage,” where he seamlessly fuses Nyabinghi drums and one-drop rhythms into his sound.

The release follows a provocative teaser titled “HollyWxxd,” dropped just days earlier to showcase his rapping prowess. The freestyle playfully mentions the Hollywood brand while echoing societal issues and delivering sharp, rhythmic lyrics over a hip-hop beat. It quickly went viral, proving a perfect blend of wit and timing in the lead-up to his album launch.

Blood and Fyah follows Keznamdi’s 2020 debut album Bloodline, which featured standout tracks like “Victory” with Chronixx, “City Lock” with Canadian rapper Tory Lanez, last year remixed with dancehall icon Vybz Kartel, and the title track “Bloodline” featuring Mortimer. That project peaked at #8 on the iTunes Global Albums chart at the time.