Fantan, you were born in the parish of St. Elizabeth, an area also known as the cockpit country and not the most well-known part of Jamaica.
Fantan Mojah: "No, because they don't want to promote it. It's a mountainous area and the home of the Maroons (Accompong is a historical Maroon village, located in the hills of St. Elizabeth Parish in Jamaica, consolidated by a treaty in 1739. Every January 6 - Cudjoe's birthday - at Accompong, descendants and friends of the Maroons come together at a festival in celebration of the treaty, red.). St. Elizabeth or St. Bess as we call it is also known as the fruitful parish because it's where all the fruits and spices are grown."
How much of that rebellious Maroon spirit has rubbed off on you?
Fantan Mojah: "Well, I'm a Maroon myself, you know, so the traditions were passed down my family from generation to generation."
You started out your musical career under the moniker Mad Killah, but at one stage changed it to Fantan Mojah. What did it take for Mad Killah to become Fantan Mojah?
Fantan Mojah: "When I started out, I was a big fan of Bounty Killer. After a while I changed my name from Mad Killah to Phantom, but then I spent some time with Capleton and he suggested I change it to Fantan. A phantom is a ghost and as a Rastafarian I deal with life. The last part was given to me by Mr. Omar Harris, a man who has helped many artists in Jamaica, including Sizzla, to find the right name for themselves."
You recorded your first tunes for Joseph Bogdanovic at Downsound...
Fantan Mojah: "Actually, the first recording I did was a tune called 'Black Woman Feel The Pain' for Cleveland Scott, but it's true that I did my first real hit tunes at Downsound; songs like 'Hungry' and 'Hail The King'. I want to big up everyone who was there along the path, helping me to advance my career."
After the release of your debut album 'Hail The King', things got a little quiet though.
Fantan Mojah: "When I left Downsound, they tried to fight me down. I left because in my opinion they were trying to control me too much; not letting me voice for anyone else and thing. I decided to leave and establish my own Macka Tree label, but that wasn't easy and took some time, so I retreated to the hills for a while to meditate, grow some herb and come back twice as strong. I started by putting out some new tunes, single by single and when I saw they were doing well, I decided to put them together on an album."
'Stronger' definitely has that 'Best Of' compilation feel to it.
Fantan Mojah: "Yes, because, as I said, all the tunes that are on there we tested on the streets first, so the album would give you that hit after hit feel. Greensleeves did little or no promotion when the album was released, but it still took off same way. I give thanks for what is happening now because it's like a natural thing; if what you put out there is good, it will always work no matter what."
You're not shy to share your spotlight though, because on the first album you promoted a young artist then still called Mr. Flash, but now known as Zareb and on 'Stronger' you did a number of duets with Ninja Ford.
Fantan Mojah: "These guys are my friends from ever since you know. When I started out in the business Ninja Ford always supported me big-time, so now it was my turn to give him my support. It's all about the Macka Tree family, one crew!"
About that name, the macka tree is a tree with sharp spines. Why did you choose that name exactly?
Fantan Mojah: "The macka tree is a fruitful tree, but you have to treat it with respect or it might sting you! (laughs)"
Musically speaking one of your greatest inspirations apart from Bounty Killer is Jacob Miller. What was it that set him apart for you?
Fantan Mojah: "For as long as I can remember, people have been comparing me to him, saying: "You are the son of Jacob Miller!" and so on. In the end I just accepted it and big up Jacob Miller because he was a great artist."
You're known for coming on stage wearing your now famous backpack. Do you still get asked about that often?
Fantan Mojah: "That backpack has almost got a career of its own! (laughs) I cooled it off for a while, but people kept asking me about it, so in the end I just brought it back. Right now I'm also using it to promote a new roots drink called Zion Roots. Whenever you come to Jamaica, you definitely have to check that out! Blessed, Rastafari!"