He is not the average reggae star like recent pop-successors Slightly Stoopid and Pepper. His prolific persona doesn’t even compare to the lesser-established, Jamaican-grown sounds of Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley and The Easy Star All Stars. Separate from modern mainstream reggae, Anthony B holds his own unique and uncommon aura that stems from his dedicated spirituality and his ethnic pride.
Deriving from the Bobo Ashanti (or “Bobo Dread”) sect of Rastafarianism, the singer-DJ has launched his own representative genre of reggae. His style of reggae has created many contemporaries over the past decade, including Sizzla, Assassin and Capleton. Regardless, the turban-totting, robe-wearing Bobo Dread has gained popularity because of his fast, rhythm-driven tempo, often-inspirational lyrics and eccentrically entertaining performances.
Since recording his debut in 1996, the Jamaican-born “Prophet” (as Bobo Dread followers are often called) has been more than prolific to the reggae culture. With more than 500 singles and 10 albums recorded, Anthony B has placed his immortal mark upon the international reggae
scene. Fueled by the revolutionary rationale of Peter Tosh and the political prowess of Black Panther leader Bobby Seal, Anthony B preaches Afro-centric consciousness and universal cooperation in his music and performances.
The success and popularity of Anthony B shortly followed his 1997 full-length album, “Universal Struggle.” The LP’s primary single, “Nah Vote Again” became the anthem for one of the most non-violent elections in Jamaican history that year. The album bore a worldwide audience for the unrestrained reggae singer.
The year 1999 brought on a raft of recordings from Anthony B as the acclaimed artist pushed more than 10 albums in less than five years. “Seven Seals” (1999) was considered a valiant follow up to “Universal Struggle.” Using the same quick step rhythm, Anthony B writes bi-consciously of the corruption, exploitation and injustice and the power of peace and love. These themes produce Anthony B’s militant-minded, philosophically powerful persona.
In 2001, the reggae revivalist released “That’s Life,” sending him to fame. Anthony B devoted this album to the ancient radicalism of reggae and included a tribute cover of “Equal Rights,” originally written by Peter Tosh. The single “Fire Di Pon Government” brought protest back to a dancehall reggae scene, which had become bombarded by overplayed and underwritten songs by pop icons like Sean Paul.
However, Anthony B’s 2005 recording, “Black Star,” was compromisingly inconsistent in the scene he inspired. The album was criticized for being pop-orthodox, and Anthony B was rumored by fans to have been “selling out”.
“I was trying to crossover between my style and other dancehall reggae,” said Anthony B. “Instead, I felt like the fans were disappointed in it.”
Anthony B will be releasing his newest album, “Suffering Man,” on Nov. 6 nationwide. The artist hopes to refuel the fire that began to die out with his last release.
“For (Suffering Man), I wanted to go back to the roots, to my foundation,” said Anthony B, who worked with Tad’s Records to strip “Suffering Man” down to the singer’s passionate practice. “The music is more traditional dancehall reggae. Something we hope the people will like.”
Oregon got a little taste of Anthony B’s re-embodied reggae last summer at the Northwest Reggae Festival in Woodburn, Ore. Anthony B headlined the festival with KRS-One, Barrington Levy and Junior Reid.
Anthony B is closing up his latest tour with Wisdom – hip-hop poet, Tevya Jones, who won the 2005 North Bay Music Award for “best hip-hop.” Together, Anthony B and Wisdom, have caused quite a stir throughout the first half of their visits.
“The shows have been good,” Anthony B said, “and the people are great. They’re livin’ and lovin’ to live.”