Genuinely thankful to the legions of fans that have supported his career for over two decades, the London-born Maxwell Fraser expresses his gratitude.

“When I acknowledge all of my accomplishments, especially when I sit inside my house in yard [Jamaica], I think, ‘wow.’ I never imagined that I could ever one day be financially free and be able to afford a house, let along anything else.

“I owe my success to my fans because it’s those people who consistently buy our records, support our music and come to our concerts. Without our fans there would be no Faithless and no success. If I devoted the rest of my life to the task, I could never thank my fans enough.”

Deciding to "close the book and return to the library," after performing together since 1995, Faithless – comprised of rapper Jazz, dance DJ Sister Bliss and producer Rollo Armstrong – disbanded in 2011, with each member choosing to explore new challenges.

“I have memories of my time in the band that will still be with me in my next life,” states Jazz, who has been a committed Soka Gakkai Buddhist for over 20 years. “But I knew it was time once I turned 55. Quite naturally, people grow, change and leave the things of youth behind them.”

Remembering how it all begun, he said: “I got asked to write and sing on a dance track called Frustration as a one-off job, which I used to do quite often to make extra money. I would get paid to sing on other people’s tracks – it was an honest day’s hustle.

“When they [Rollo and Sister Bliss] realised I was a Buddhist rapper, they became more intrigued by my style and asked if I was interested in creating more songs, which led to an album. Eventually we decided to form a band and the rest, as they say, is history.”

Prior to joining Faithless, Jazz spent his years rapping far and wide, deejaying on various pirate radio stations in London, and running his own record label. Reminiscing on the soundtracks of his life, he says:

“The music I grew up listening to ranged from my parent’s Motown music in the ‘60s, to funk beats in the ‘70s and booming bassline reggae sounds in the ‘80s. I used to walk with the radio everywhere – the only place I never had my radio was during school! But once I wasn’t at school, the radio was glued to my side. I was always a man that listened to the words and memorised the lyrics and as a result, I learnt so much from artists who shared their life’s experiences through their songs.”

SUCCESS: Jazz with Faithless co-member Sister Bliss

One song that had him gripped was Purple Haze from one of his icons, legendary musician Jimmy Hendrix. “When I first heard Purple Haze, I was walking the dog and I had to stop and lean against the wall. The sound was so crazy. It was electrifying and I was in complete awe.”

Of his own career, the rapper says it’s important to him to create uplifting music.

“I see myself as a messenger because I have learnt an abundance of information and knowledge through Buddhism. I strongly believe that I am here on earth to teach and educate through my music. Rather than preach from a pulpit, I use my music as a medium to get my message across to the masses. My message is always one of peace and love. All my lyrics have a spiritual element.”

In addition to his passion for music, Jazz also has another love – racing cars. The proud owner of five flashy motors – Jaguar XS, 1979 Ford Escort Mk2 RS2000, two Marcos sports cars and a black Ferrari 456 GT – Jazz admits that he did, at one time, consider a career in Formula One.

“I would have given almost anything to have been Nigel Mansell,” he laughs. “But no, I’d rather be a successful musician because as an artist, you have the capacity to influence people. Nevertheless, racing cars is the most emotional experience I have ever known. Nothing can be compared to the last lap and seeing that chequered flag waving in the wind; the feeling is indescribable. All you’re thinking is ‘I did it, I did it!”

Still, his main passion is undoubtedly music. Gearing up for a performance at Electric Brixton in south London, which will see him reunite with band member Sister Bliss, Jazz says his next musical move is a closely guarded secret.

“I have no plans to take dance music to Jamaica, but I’m planning something completely new, different and far away from what my fans are used to – but it’s top secret!”

Able to admire Jamaica’s beautiful Hellshire Beach from his bedroom window, Jazz resides on the Caribbean island for half the year and spends the other six months in England.

Considering what advice he would offer to aspiring musicians, he says:
“Do not look for management or any type of external help to handle your affairs. Be your own master. You don’t need a manager until you are seriously moving units and by the time you get to that level, you would have sat in so many meetings and gained a solid understanding about the industry, so nobody can deceive you.”

Citing his favourite Jamaican proverb, he concludes: “Nothing ever happens before its time. This saying has helped me to remain calm and patient throughout the years. Having peace within oneself is vital not only to survive in the music industry, but life as a whole.”

Faithless will perform at Electric Brixton, Town Hall Parade, London SW2 on May 31. For more information visit www.electricbrixton.com