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Anthony
B
(Bio courtesy anthonyb.com from Jet Star Reggae
News 1998)
Draped
in the rich colours of African cloth, his trademark
staff in hand, and his dreadlocks wrapped regally
on his head, Anthony B embodies all that it
is spiritual and proactive about Reggae music.
This artiste has been steadfast in his mission
to represent the poor and oppressed, using
sharp lyrics to confront political injustices
and bring the issues of the people to the forefront.
In the process, he has raised the quality of
performance standards and lyrical content for
the industry, through the release of 10 albums,
over 1000 singles and appearances on over 100
albums in the last 13 years.
Anthony
B’s musical journey started in the church,
back when he was still called Keith Anthony
Blair in Clark’s Town, Trelawney. In this part
of rural Jamaica, Anthony B was immersed in
the thunderous chants and rhythms of Revivalism
and the Seventh Day Adventist church where
he honed his soon-to-be signature vocals. In
his formative years, the artiste also cleaved
to the music of Otis Redding and the incomparable
Peter Tosh.
In
1992, Anthony B left his home-town and set
out to make his fateful mark on Kingston’s
music scene. He rebuked the trend of girl and
gun lyrics popular at that time and remained
faithful to words of spiritual consciousness
and social conviction. He started working with
singer Little Devon, who introduced him to
Richard “Bell” Bello, of Star Trail Records,
producer for Garnet Silk and Everton Blender.
Bell saw the talent of the youngster and shared
his commitment to conscious music. The partnership
produced a slew of records and releases, such
as "Repentance
time", "Fire
pon Rome", “One Thing”, “A De Man”, "Rumour" and "Raid
di barn”. Anthony B followed up with critically
acclaimed albums such as “Real
Revolutionary”, "Universal
Struggle",
“Black Star” and “Untouchable”.
He also struck out on his own to produce 3
albums independently, started his own label,
Born Fire Records, and released two collaboration
albums “Too Strong” with Sizzla
and “Three Wise Men” with
Sizzla and Luciano.
Anthony
B’s lyrical genius and his captivating, energetic
performance style have caused him to be heavily
requested for performances in the Caribbean,
North America, Europe and Africa. In 2003 and
2004, he was given a king’s welcome in Gambia
and Senegal. In 2004, he sold out shows in
Switzerland, Austria, Sweden, Belgium, France,
Italy and Germany; closing for such greats
as Israel Vibration and Burning Spear. He also
opened up new regions for reggae music through
his performances in New Dehli, India and on
France’s Reunion Island, in the Indian Ocean.
His
heavy touring schedule has not slowed Anthony
B’s stream of releases. Over the years, he
has collaborated with Bone Crusher, Akon, Wyclef
Jean, Snoop Dogg, R. Kelly, and, on his latest
album, Martina.
Anthony
B’s rich vocals and audacious lyrics carry
a depth and substance which is rare in the
industry. Internationally, his fan-base has
grown because he speaks about the universal
concerns of suffering and salvation. “The greatest
thing about reggae music is that it’s about
concepts and ideas,” says the artiste, “you
are speaking to people on issues they live
and can relate to.”
Anthony
B’s latest hit singles include “Mr. Controversy”,
“Suffering Man”, “Condom”, and “More Passa
Passa” and come from his highly-anticipated
10th album, “The Suffering
Man”. In February 2007, Anthony
is set to release yet another album with Greensleeves
Records. The album, “Higher Meditation”, continues
Anthony’s legacy as he proves himself to be
one of Reggae’s most prolific and engaging
artistes, an electrifying performer whose music
grips the public social conscience.
http://www.anthonyb.com/
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