“One more song! One more song!” That was the chant echoing from the audience at the 2026 Dallas Reggae Festival as fans called for Chuck Fenda to continue his set during the April 11-12 event in the Lone Star State.
The reggae veteran, who has spent more than two decades spreading conscious music, was billed to perform for 45 minutes on day one. Instead, his set was cut just 15 minutes into what he described as an “extraordinary” performance.
“My thing was about going over there delivering the message and executing on a higher level,” Chuck Fenda said. “I always put out a top-class performance at all times. From them time till now, I’ve never had a bad moment on stage.”
Despite the abrupt ending to his set – which left fans wanting for favourites such as Gash Dem and Light Dem, and I Swear — the artiste was grateful for the opportunity to spread the message.
“I big up the fans dem because I was grateful to be there and to see the love,” he said. “Long time Texas hasn’t seen me, so they really came out in their numbers.”
Chuck Fenda noted that he was not given an explanation for the shortened set but remains focused on the bigger picture: using every stage as a platform to spread his ‘Living Fire’ message.
Now based in the United States, Chuck Fenda is actively working to expand his reach across international markets while maintaining strong ties to Jamaica.
“I just started to move over to the US maybe two years ago, broadening my wings in the States and Europe,” he explained. “One of my missions is to bring the music to the people directly.”
That mission has already seen major moments, including a performance at Reggae Jam in Europe, where he says his set was viewed by over a million people.
Still, Jamaica remains central to his purpose. He believes conscious reggae is needed now more than ever to counter negative influences in music.
“My message is love and uplifting the people dem spirit,” he said. “Sometimes they are stressed out and in pain, and my songs are like spiritual food — to motivate, energise, and build back their self-confidence.”
Continuing to build on an impressive catalogue, Chuck Fenda has released a new single, titled Put It On Me, produced by Mello Vibes.
The track, he says, carries a similar vibe to the 2009 lovers’ rock favourite Are You Coming Over Tonight, with Cherine Anderson — a tasteful, melodic nod to true intimacy.
For Chuck Fenda, music is not merely entertainment, it is a higher calling, and his focus remains unchanged.
“When we talk, things move, because the work I do is not of my own authority but of the Almighty Jah that dwells within me,” he said. “We see ourselves as soldiers and disciples doing the work. We have no fear because this is our line of duty.”
And if the chants at the recent reggae festival are anything to go by, there is still a strong demand for his message, and it continues to grow.
