Rastaman, live up!

Bongoman, don’t give up!

Congoman, live up! (Yeah)

Binghi-man don’t give up!

— Bob Marley

Those uplifting lyrics from The Gong’s Rastaman Live Up!

have long resonated with roots singer Aiinchnt, who believes it is critical for Rastafarians to stay true to all aspects of their faith.

That is the message of Living Up, his song that encourages “perseverance, reassurance, and authenticity” among the brethren.

Aiinchnt co-produced it with Homer Anthony, Mechach Thaxter, and Parris Kirkland.

“It is very important for Rastafarians to live up because, first of all, you have to keep in mind the creed of Rastafari. That is, let the hungry be fed, the naked be clothed, the sick nourished, the aged protected, and the infant cared for,” Aiinchnt stated. “When ‘ones’ lose their way, Rastafari represents a heights of spiritual knowledge and consciousness that can help remind the people who they are and who they are supposed to be.”

Living Up was released one year ago, but Aiinchnt and his team agreed that, with the concept of Rasta seemingly lost to some of its young followers, its message is relevant.

That message, he added, is not limited to lifestyle.

“Based on ‘eyeserving’ and intuitive feeling, there are some shortcomings, especially when it comes to that distinctive sound that’s been taken out of reggae music,” said Aiinchnt. “For instance, the percussion and the horns. That soul feeling that connects the people to the ‘inergy’ of the Creator.”

Born Damion Dennie, Aiinchnt is from Stony Hill, St Andrew. His recording career started in 2004, shortly after he earned a general construction certificate from Human Employment and Resource Training (HEART/NSTA) Trust.

Psalms is the title of Aiinchnt’s first song. Since then, he has released several follow-ups, including Rise And Push, Positive Living (featuring Birdz-I), and Angel Eyes.