Bio.
Lion Fiyah is a Grammy-nominated reggae artist, singer-songwriter, and cultural torchbearer hailing from the lush and resilient lands of Kalihi Valley, O'ahu, in the Hawaiian islands. Known for his powerful voice, rich lyrical content, and unapologetically roots-driven sound, Lion Fiyah bridges the pulse of Jamaican reggae with deep spiritual and cultural roots of Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) identity. His music is an offering—a voice in the wilderness calling for justice, remembrance, and praise.
From a young age, Lion Fiyah was immersed in the powerful musical traditions of both his Hawaiian homeland and the global reggae movement. Growing up in Kalihi, reggae wasn't just background noise—it was soul medicine, woven into everday life. The pivotal moment came in the late '90's when he first heard the Mount Zion Riddim, a transformative experience that opened his ears and heart to the rich world of conscious roots reggae. Discovering artists like Luciano, Morgan Heritage, Sizzla, and Capleton set him on a lifelong journey of musical exploration, blending the spirit of Aloha with deeply personal and purposeful reggae music.
As a Native Hawaiian, he resonated with reggae’s roots in resistance and resilience — the echoes of colonial suppression in Jamaica mirrored the struggles of his own people, making the genre not just a sound, but a form of cultural solidarity and spiritual expression. He was especially drawn to the tradition of 'voicing on riddims'—a unique element of Jamaican reggae that captivated his creativity and became a cornerstone of his own artistic style.
Lion Fiyah's early career was shaped by a series of powerful collaborations and live performances. He honed his craft and by 2011, he was signed to Wash House Music Group. From there, he began collaborating with powerhouse artists like J Boog, contributing as both a vocalist and songwriter on multiple projects—including Boog’s Grammy-nominated album Wash House Ting.
In 2015, Lion Fiyah released his breakout solo album Salute the Crown fused roots reggae with Pacific soul and featured legendary artists like Junior Reid, Perfect Giddimani, Peetah Morgan, J Boog and Fiji. The album debuted on the Billboard Reggae Charts, solidifying his place in the global reggae arena. Among the standout tracks is Feel Like a Kid Again—a joyful ode to reclaiming innocence and inner freedom, carried by breezy melodies and heartfelt lyrics. From smooth lovers rock to militant roots anthems, the album showcases Lion Fiyah’s dynamic range and lyrical depth—always circling back to themes of self-reflection, upliftment, and spiritual liberation.
What makes Lion Fiyah's music stand apart is his ability to honor two legacies at once: the sacred cultural knowledge of his Hawaiian ancestors, and the fire and discipline of Rastafari reggae tradition. In his words, "The old Hawaiian ways and Rasta values are reflections of the same truth. Creation comes from darkness, and both cultures recognize the power and sanctity of that origin."
A conscious artist in every sense of the word, Lion Fiyah is also known for his commitment to authenticity. Whether performing live, recording in the studio, or teaching youth, he embodies the values he sings about. His music isn't about trends—it's about truth, spirit, and the struggle for liberation. His personal journey, shaped by the loss of his sister during childhood, caring for his elderly grandparents while emerging into adulthood, enduring debilitating back pain from multiple surgeries, and facing difficult personal relationships, informs the depth of his sound. These struggles have built his resilience, fueling the powerful themes of survival, healing, and personal growth that run through his work. With each release, he continues to shape Hawai'i's place in the reggae diaspora, creating a unique voice that speaks to both local and global audiences.
Today, Lion Fiyah is at the forefront of a new wave of roots reggae rising from the Pacific. With several new projects on the horizon, he's poised to continue elevating the sound that has inspired generations. Whether backed by his band, voicing over traditional sound system riddims, or collaborating with reggae’s top producers, he remains grounded in purpose, to deliver music that heals, honors ancestral wisdom, and ignites the soul.