The Sunday Mail
Mtandazo Dube
JAMAICAN reggae superstar, Anthony B, who arrives in the country on Wednesday for the Star FM @ 5 celebrations this Friday at the Glamis Arena, has heaped praise on Zim dancehall.
Anthony B, who has collaborated with high-riding dancehall star, Freeman, said it was an honour working with the HKD boss. In an exclusive interview with this publication, he said it was his aim to build a connection with “our brothers and sisters”.
“It’s an honour for me, Anthony B, to do a song with my African brother Freeman from Zimbabwe. We have to build that connection with all our brothers and sisters globally. It is our mission as Rastasfarians to follow the vision of our forefathers, Marcus Garvey and the words of Bob Marley to unite Africa,” said Anthony B, born Anthony Keith Blair.
The “World A Reggae Music” singer also echoed the theme of his song with Freeman “Time to Get Rich”.
“Africa Unite, that’s our only way forward. When we have Africans on the Motherland and those overseas come together as one to help each other. We need to get back the richest of our people, that’s our aim. No more suffering for the youths, all people in Zimbabwe go for your goals, move forward towards your dreams. Now is the time to get rich, no time to sit around and waste time.”
While it is unclear if the Jamaican star will perform “Time to Get Rich” with Freeman come Friday, the show boasts two of Zim dancehall’s finest sons, Winky D and Soul Jah Love.
Jah Prayzah has also been thrown in as a wild card to add variety to the mega Star FM @ 5 celebration event.
The Sunday Mail Society spoke to DJ Fydale aka Fidelis Isaac, an agent working with 2 Kings Entertainment in partnership with the leading radio station, Star FM, to bring in the Jamaican star.
DJ Fydale facilitated the collaboration between Freeman and Anthony B and has been instrumental in bringing the “King in My Castle” singer to Zimbabwe.
“I realised Anthony B’s passion for sharing the love for reggae-dancehall and good message with fellow African music lovers. He recognises how reggae and dancehall is appreciated by Zimbabweans and so coming over is a pleasure.
“Anthony is also a veteran of live performance, which are assured to be well delivered. It’s not just a job but music is part of his identity, as he says in one conversation ‘it’s a time I open the window to my soulfulness and artistry, sharing such moments with fans creates good bonds, so I surely can say an Anthony B show is and will be a great show’.”
DJ Fydale says Anthony B was impressed and salutes the talent in Zimbabwe.
“He has followed a number of Zim dancehall artistes particularly Winky D and Freeman. Before he worked on the collaboration with Freeman we had done a song on my riddim (2016). The riddim features Lutan Fyah, Chuck Fenda, Perfect Gidimani and Sir Ford to mention a few. He puts out a word of encouragement to keep it up.”
The renowned UK-based music producer and artiste manager, said people needed to realise that Zim dancehall has become a global phenomenon.
“People here in Zimbabwe still don’t know that our reggae- dancehall music, which we call Zim dancehall is now a well known thing all over the world. Almost every big artiste I have worked with asks about Zim dancehall. Artistes like Fantan Mojah, Sir Ford and many others appreciate Zim dancehall because of the shows they have seen and views that Zim dancehall shows and songs get on YouTube.”
Born in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica on March 31, 1976, Anthony B was inspired by Bob Marley and Peter Tosh, musicians who strongly influenced his own style.
It’s very possible that many people don’t know what Anthony B brings on stage. Well, here is a small hint – If you think Winky D pumps the adrenaline on stage, Anthony B will make the Ninja President look like he was never on stage. Get ready to dance till you drop!
