Spiritual, not just gospel: Reggae star Luciano opens up about his music identity
By Nancy Marende, November 21, 2025Jamaican reggae singer Jepther Washington McClymont, widely known as Luciano, has opened up about his artistic identity, describing himself as a spiritual artist whose work is rooted in culture, truth, and deep exploration beyond religious labels.
Speaking during an interview with K24 Digital on Thursday, November 20, 2025, Luciano said he prefers not to be confined to the category of a gospel musician, noting that such labels restrict artistic expression and limit the depth of his message.
“I see myself as a spiritual artist, and I am culture. I don’t want to categorise myself as a gospel artist because that means I would have limited my boundaries.”
Also watch: Reggae star Luciano says cannabis shouldn’t be viewed as a drug
Luciano revealed that he draws inspiration from various sacred texts and philosophical writings as part of his search for understanding.
He said his spiritual journey involves extensive reading and a commitment to learning from different traditions.
“I read the Bible in search of truth. Everywhere I go, I try to buy a book. I have the Torah, Quran, tablets—you name it. I even get a physical dictionary,” he added.
He encouraged his fans to broaden their approach to studying scripture and language by using tools that go deeper than mainstream references.
“I would like to urge my fans out there to get a Bible dictionary, not the ordinary dictionary. The Oxford dictionary somehow limits the meanings of some words, but the metaphysical dictionary gives a better explanation.”
He also expressed his views on cannabis, stating that the plant should not automatically be classified as a drug.
Luciano described it as a natural plant, emphasising its potential medicinal uses when applied responsibly.
“I want to clearly state that one should not see cannabis as a drug because it is a natural plant. To me, a drug has to go through a process,” Luciano said.
“Cannabis is a natural plant that can be used for medicinal purposes.”
Also watch: Luciano says Kenya reminds him of home in Jamaica
Upbringing
He further reflected on his humble upbringing and how traditional remedies shaped his perspective.
“I grew up in a humble background. I remember I used to study with the hum and with the kerosene lamp, home sweet home lamp,” he recalled.
“I remember at one time the lamp was broken and the fume from the flame burnt my eye, and my mum got some green cannabis, boiled it, added a little bit of salt, and made an eye drop from it.”