Fyahman fired up for four-day birthday bash

For DJ and radio personality Fabian ‘Fyahman’ Morris, turning 25 is giving him more than one reason to celebrate.

The entertainer, who recently achieved a lifelong dream of earning his law degree, is marking the milestone with four events across four days, an expansion of his annual birthday celebration that he says was prompted by the support it received last year.

“Not only did I [achieve] a lifelong dream this year by getting my law degree, but I’m also turning 25 years old. As someone who was born and raised in a garrison community, those are two things you seldom see among young men, and I’m happy to carry the banner,” Fyahman told THE STAR.

Last year, the celebrations were confined to one night, but Fyahman said calls from supporters for something bigger sent him and his Vibes Ministry team back to the drawing board.

“Last year, the supporters really went all out for the celebration. So much so that several persons were saying that a brand of our magnitude, The Vibes Ministry, could never keep just a one-night event for my birthday,” he said.

“So we went back to the drawing board, we evaluated our options and determined that it was only right to extend the celebration. And it really is a testament to the love and support of the movement. Without the supporters, I wouldn’t be here now, and I am forever grateful.”

The four-day run begins on September 24 with Fuego before moving to Devon House on September 25, Fyahman’s actual birthday, for Open House. On September 26, the celebrations head to The University of the West Indies, Mona campus, for water fête Soak’D, headlined by dancehall artiste Malie Donn, with Merkz also billed to perform.

First staged in September 2023, Soak’D grew out of Fyahman’s desire to move away from the traditional birthday party. It has since had several stagings, with artistes including Skeng, Jamal, Spice and Valiant appearing over the years.

“The water-party concept gave us something fun, interactive and memorable, and over time it grew beyond just my birthday into a brand with its own identity,” he said.

Fyahman said Malie Donn was tapped to headline this year’s staging because of the energy he brings to the stage and his connection with younger audiences.

“We wanted a headline artiste who could genuinely add to the experience rather than simply putting a big name on the flyer, and we believe Malie Donn does exactly that,” he said.

Fyahman will also take a turn behind the console during Soak’D, alongside several other DJs and selectors.

After three days of turning up, the pace changes on September 27 with Soul’d Out, where patrons can kick back to slow jams from the 2000s.

Beyond the birthday celebrations, Fyahman said the support he has received over the years has encouraged him to keep pushing.

“I’ve been doing my thing for a little while now, and I am always blown away by the support and love I get from across the world – and that has encouraged me to [work] even harder. So, from here on out, look out for much more from Fyahman and the Vibes Ministry,” he said.