JAHRANIMO

Born in St. James, Jamaica, Anthony Smith (aka Jahranimo) first picked up a microphone at the tender age of 13. Growing up with his beloved grandmother in the country side, he was frequently the cause of much stress as he would stay out late experimenting on the microphone with friends. Eventually his grandmother gave in to her worries and sent him back to the city where he met Tony Crab, his best friend and mentor. Influenced by artists such as the great Bob Marley and Super Cat, he soon realized his calling and began dedicating his life to reaching a worldwide audience with his music.

Jahranimo’s first major recognition came in 1988 at a sound system showdown between Ticka Music and Pieces Sound. Singing under the stage name ‘Apache’, he won the audience’s love and was named Best Entertainer by the promoter. After meeting the late Chino Man in Savanna-La-Mar, Jahranimo was introduced to Leng, Specialist, and Banky (former managers of Shaba Ranks). These new connections led to performances in some of the biggest shows in Jamaica such as Sting, Hot Shot, and Border Clash. In 1991, ready to begin a new life in Canada, Jahranimo performed an emotional farewell show while sharing the stage with Buju Banton and other artists from his homeland.

While living in Canada and taking a break from music, Jahranimo began to realize his true identity as a ‘Rastaman’. Giving all praise to the Most High, life ‘Must Get Betta’... and it did. In 2001 Jahranimo returned to the stage and began work on a compilation album, ‘In Jamaica’, with Kirk Davis, Beenie Man, Zukie Joseph and others. It’s 2002 release led to several opportunities including the filming of a video for the title track on the beaches of Jamaica, television performances with George Nooks in Vancouver and Alberta (Breakfast TV), and performances with Half Pint, Tanto Metro, Devonte, and Mighty Diamonds. Jahranimo also received the George Barrett Reggae Music Appreciation Award for his contribution to reggae music.

Jahranimo’s first solo album, Real Life, was released in 2004 and quickly made its way to the top of the Canadian Reggae charts. With special appearances by Kirk Davis, Zukie Joseph and some of Canada’s hottest up and coming R&B and Hip Hop artists it’s one of the most innovative and polished reggae dancehall albums you’ll ever hear. Jahranimo’s collaboration with Kirk Davis on ‘Jah Jah Love’ has been featured in the tv movie Falcon Beach.

Jahranimo’s second and most recent album, Praises, released early 2008, is a clear demonstration of how he has matured and advanced both lyrically and vocally. Praises is a more roots based album and is sure to be among the classics of reggae music for many years to come. With dynamite tracks featuring appearances by Jah Cure ‘I’m Free’, Iwa (aka White Mice) ‘Can’t Trick We’, Lil Bit ‘Don’t Want To Lose U’ and Culture Brown ‘Warn Dem’ this album is blowing up the reggae charts. But it’s the title track that has everyone inside the music industry and out singing Jahranimo’s ‘Praises’.