Tony Anthony

Toronto-based reggae singer, Tony Anthony, says that there is a positive wind blowing across the North American continent which he hopes to capture in his new, as-yet-untitled album.

According to him, the change is probably best symbolised by the results of the recent US presidential election. The effect of Barack Obama winning the US presidential elections, he says, has spread into the Jamaican community re-energising its culture and its influence on the music of the continent.

"Jamaican music is still making an impact, especially dancehall music, and I see the potential for it to reach a higher degree if the makers of the music seize this opportunity and capitalise on its potential," Anthony said.

"Roots reggae is still holding its own, and the emergence of artistes like Tarrus Riley and Jah Cure, the constant professionalism of Beres Hammond and Morgan Heritage bode well for the music and the future," he added.

A native of St Catherine, Anthony has been singing seriously since meeting singer Glen Washington in Jamaica some years ago.

A past runner-up in the Tastee talent contest, he went on to work the North Coast tourist circuit performing with groups like the Daffodils and Crucial Vibes, before moving to Canada in 1992.

His latest single, Yuh No Simple (B-Crissas) has been doing exceptionally well both in Jamaica and his adopted country, Canada.

"It has gained recognition for me worldwide because of its lyrical content, counselling children and youths about the importance of a good education in order to live a productive life," he said.

UNICEF Canada has added the song to their website to help promote the importance of education.

The song went to number six on the Hot 102 FM reggae charts in Jamaica, Number five on the Virgin Islands WSTX 100 FM top 20 reggae charts and WVKR 91.3 FM in New York.

This success, working in collaboration with veteran Jamaican-born producer Neville Lee of B-Crissas Records in Toronto, Canada has led to a another single being release in Jamaica, Mark of the Beast, as well well as a collaboration on a new album to be released in the New Year.

Anthony, who is helping to promote the project, says that the CD will comprise a variety of songs for all sorts of reggae fans.

"I am aiming to satisfy the palate of all lovers of reggae music and that's why I am deliberately including songs that I know the fans of all aspects of the music will relate to and enjoy," Anthony said.

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