Country: Jamaica
Keith Anthony Blair, professionally known as Anthony B (born 31 March 1976), is a Jamaican reggae DJ and member of the Rastafari movement, specifically the Bobo Ashanti branch. Born in Clark’s Town, Trelawny, he grew up in a deeply religious household, influenced by his Seventh-day Adventist mother and Revivalist grandmother. Inspired by reggae legends Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, Anthony B adopted Rastafari beliefs as a teenager, embracing dreadlocks and Afrocentric pride despite initial family resistance. His spirituality and commitment to social consciousness are central themes in his music. Anthony B began his career in high school as a deejay on the local sound system Shaggy Hi-Power, performing politically and socially conscious songs rather than the then-popular “slack” tunes. He released his debut single, “The Living is Hard,” in 1993 and gained recognition collaborating with producer Richard Bell, creating hits such as “Fire Pon Rome,” “Raid Di Barn,” and “Repentance Time.” Over the years, he has released numerous albums, including Universal Struggle (1997), Seven Seals (1999), Street Knowledge (2003), Untouchable (2004), Black Star (2005), Life Over Death (2008), Tribute to Legends (2013), and King in My Castle (2020). His work often blends roots reggae, dancehall, and socially conscious themes. Anthony B has toured extensively across Europe and North America, collaborating with a wide range of producers and artists. Despite a 2013 legal issue in the U.S. involving marijuana possession—charges of which were later dropped—he continued his career uninterrupted. Known for his strong Rastafarian convictions, he explains that phrases like “burn fire” in his music symbolize purging negativity from humanity rather than literal violence. Through his music, faith, and activism, Anthony B has become one of Jamaica’s most respected contemporary reggae artists.
Gallery
