Anthony B

Anthony B is the stage name of Keith Blair, a Jamaican DJ and singer from Jamaica, born in 1976. He grows up in rural Clarks Town in the northwestern parish of Trelawny, in a deeply religious family: his mother is a Seventh-day Adventist and his grandmother is a Revivalist. Those beliefs shape his strong sense of spirituality, which later becomes central to his music.

Early life and musical influences

As a young listener, he takes inspiration from reggae figures Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Peter Tosh’s influence is especially clear in Anthony B’s vocal style and in the militant, revolutionary outlook that runs through his songs. As a teenager, he adopts Rastafarian beliefs, a choice that is not welcomed by his family. He keeps his dreadlocks and his religion, then moves to live with his aunt and uncle in Portmore, a suburb of Kingston.

Career beginnings

While attending high school, Anthony B begins performing as a deejay with the local sound system Shaggy Hi-Power. In 1988 he meets and befriends reggae artists including Determine, Mega Banton, Ricky General and Terror Fabulous. At a time when sexually explicit “slack” songs dominate the scene, he rejects that approach and writes politically charged songs instead.

His first single, The Living is Hard, is recorded with Little Devon and released on the Wizard label in 1993. He later works with producer Richard “Bello” Bell, and together they create songs such as Fire Pon Rome, Raid Di Barn, Rumour and Repentance Time.

Albums and releases

Anthony B’s debut album, Real Revolutionary, appears in 1996 and is widely acclaimed in reggae circles. Later that same period he also releases Predator & Prey. In late 1997 he follows with Universal Struggle, which confirms his reputation for consistent, high-calibre work. His later albums include Seven Seals (1999), That’s Life (2001), More Love (2001), Live On The Battlefield (2002), Reggae Max (2002), Street Knowledge (2003), Judgment Time (2003), Smoke Free (2003), Voice Of Jamaica vol. 2 (2003), Wise Man Chant (2004), Justice Fight (2004), Untouchable (2004), Power Of Creation (2004), Black Star (2005) and My Hope (2005).

Untouchable includes collaborations with artists such as Wyclef Jean. His releases appear on a range of labels, including Alpha Enterprises, Greensleeves, VP Records, AO! Records, Jahmin' Records, Jet Star, Nocturne, 2B1 Records, Bogalusa Records, Black Scorpio, Togetherness Records and AL.TA.FA.AN. / Minor 7 Flat 5.

Style and performance

Anthony B is known for reggae rooted in Rastafarian beliefs, Afrocentric pride and what Rastafarians call “overstandings”. He tours extensively in Europe and North America, and he is noted for energetic, forceful live performances.

Religious affiliation

He is a member of the Bobo Ashanti branch of Rastafarianism. That identity is reflected in his music and in the distinctive long robes and turbans associated with Bobo Dreads.