Search - Anthony B, Idren :: DJ Reggae Showcase

It makes perfect sense, a reggae collaboration between two champion "spliffing" nations--Jamaica, land of the good sensimilla--and Holland, host to the annual worldwide Cannabis Cup marijuana competition and cafés packed with stoned patrons. Rotterdam-based label Zola and Zola is the hub of the thriving Dutch reggae scene, but this set takes as its center a young firebrand Jamaican deejay named Anthony B, who's emerged in recent years as the soul of Peter Tosh, the kind of militant truth & rights chanter reggae nourishes and can't do without. His '94 "Fire Pon Rome" hit recited a litany of sins committed by Jamaica's government and other big time Babylonians. It was banned from radio, and, of course, that made the people embrace the song even more fervently. Young he may be, but Anthony yearns for the recent past, when reggae and Rasta were synonymous. It's therefore fitting that his Idren here comprise an interesting mix of veterans--Johnny P, a dominant presence in reggae's dancehall mid-80's who's hitting culture lyrics for the occasion--and U.K.-based deejay-label owner Ricky General. The great discovery of this set is a newer artist, Contractor, from Barbados--at least, he's new to Jamaican reggae fans. Yet his funky, leisurely toasting style evokes the elders and provides a welcome respite from the spitfire tempos favored by contemporary Jamaican mic-rockers. Star U.K. brother team Mafia & Fluxy lay down the rhythm foundations--zinging yet rootsy tracks that underscore the vocals' blend of the best of old and new. --Elena Oumano