Fambo rides viral wave

“Red light, yellow light, pepper light, go!”
Those few words have become one of the most recognisable sounds on social media in recent times, spreading far beyond dancehall circles and turning into a viral sensation.
The catchy phrase from veteran entertainer Fambo has been remixed, animated, transformed into memes and featured in countless videos across various platforms — a level of online attention the Rum and Red Bull deejay never anticipated.
But while the internet has been having fun with the moment, Fambo is taking the unexpected fame in stride.
Speaking with THE STAR, the entertainer laughed about the explosion of the phrase, insisting that he never expected it to reach such heights. 
“I know I’ve gone viral, but I didn’t call Mr Desmond McKenzie name,” Fambo said.
His comments come amid a viral remix featuring a woman’s voice declaring, “dem pepper spray Desmond eyes” — a reference to Minister of Government Desmond McKenzie, who was pepper-sprayed by police during a recent incident.
Reflecting on the unpredictable nature of social media, he added that going viral comes with its own challenges.
“It’s wonderful to go viral, but you have to remember that the Internet is the devil’s playground,” he said, adding that he approaches online spaces with faith and humour. “When I go there, I sweep them out in the name of Jesus because it’s full of fishes, crabs and sharks.”
The viral moment arrives as Fambo enjoys what he describes as one of the busiest periods of his career in recent years. The entertainer said his schedule has been packed with performances, studio sessions and appearances.
“Right now, I’m on every show, so I can’t do no more shows,” he said.
However, Fambo revealed that he deliberately sets aside the early part of the week for rest and spiritual reflection.
“I don’t do any shows on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as those are my rest and prayer days,” he explained, adding that his faith remains central to everything he does.
The entertainer also spoke openly about his decision to be selective with future collaborations, saying he wants his musical partnerships to align with his spiritual beliefs.
“I don’t want to sing no songs with no Jamaican artiste other than Super Hype and possibly Bounty Killer,” Fambo said, explaining that his choices are influenced by his renewed relationship with God.
He credited his mother, whom he described as a devoted Christian, for playing a major role in his spiritual journey.
“Everything I do is because of my mother,” he said.
Fambo’s latest release, Give Thanks, a collaboration with Sheenwrks, is also gaining momentum, receiving attention from radio audiences and social media users.
The entertainer believes the inspirational track represents a major shift in his musical journey.
According to Fambo, the song carries a deeper purpose than his previous hits.
“The hook was written by Seanizzle, given to him by God, and the verse was given to me by Jesus,” he said.
“This song is definitely bigger than Rum and Red Bull,” he added, explaining that unlike his earlier party anthem, the new release focuses entirely on positivity and faith.
Away from the jokes, viral clips and dancehall catchphrases, Fambo said his spiritual transformation has become the foundation of his life.
He revealed that he intends to be baptised in two years, saying the date has already been revealed to him.
“For me, what’s next is baptism,” he said. “The next two years I will be giving my life to Christ on my mother’s birthday. That’s the timeframe God gave me.”
Fambo said he plans to leave behind what he considers negative influences while continuing to support music and entertainment.
“I will give my life and walk away from this world and the obeah, guzu, black magic and passa passa,” he said, while adding that he still intends to attend dancehall events.
“I will still go to Uptown Mondays, but will not stand in the ways of the sinners,” he said.
The entertainer also used the opportunity to send prayers and encouragement to incarcerated dancehall star Vybz Kartel, whom he referred to by his given name, Adidja Palmer.
“I pray that one day he will come and praise God with me,” Fambo said, expressing hope that they could one day use large stages to spread a positive message.
Meanwhile, Fambo also addressed his relationship with fellow dancehall veteran Beenie Man, making it clear that the two are not currently on good terms.
“Beenie Man is OK,” he said, recalling seeing the entertainer at a recent event.
However, he jokingly added: “It was 100 degrees summer hot, and he was in a leather suit, so he is also hot too.”
Despite the humour, Fambo said the relationship remains strained.
“No, we are not on good terms,” he said, describing himself as “future Fambo, a man of God.”
While his spiritual journey is taking centrestage, Fambo said he remains committed to making music.
He revealed that Money Money Remix with Sean Paul has been performing well and that plans are under way for the official music video.
Another collaboration, Gucci Louis Prada, also featuring Sean Paul, is expected before the end of the summer.
“I’m working with one of the greatest artistes to come out of Jamaica. Sean Paul is the real emperor of this dancehall business, as we need somebody like Sean Paul to be the face of Jamaica.”