The Evolution of a Musical Icon
From the sun-kissed island of St. Catherine, Jamaica, to the global reggae stage, Tony Anthony has cemented his status as one of the most influential reggae artists of his generation. Born Mark Bennett, Tony’s musical journey began at the age of 14, ignited by a life-changing encounter with reggae legend Glen Washington. From that moment, music became his calling—a pursuit that would lead him from Jamaica to Canada, and ultimately, to the world stage.
Tony’s early years were defined by his work as a guitarist and vocalist with the award-winning Crucial Vibes reggae band, where he shared stages with industry greats such as Jimmy Cliff, Dean Fraser, Freddie McGregor, Junior Reid, and Frankie Paul. His artistry flourished upon migrating to Canada in 1992, where he co-founded the reggae group Tatix. The group’s success was meteoric, earning multiple Canadian Reggae Music Awards and a JUNO Award nomination in 1996 for their acclaimed album, Time Bomb.
Beyond reggae, Tony demonstrated his versatility in soul music, joining After Dark, where he co-wrote and performed the chart-topping single Took Me for Granted. This experience further showcased his songwriting prowess, establishing him as a multi-faceted artist with an innate ability to blend reggae with soul and R&B influences.
Influential Albums and Performances
Tony Anthony’s solo career officially launched in 2010 with the release of his independently produced album, Million Chance. The album’s lead singles, including Torn, Bad News, and Love You So Much, dominated reggae charts in Canada, Jamaica, Italy, Kenya, Gambia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Notably, the album remained on Italy’s reggae charts for an entire year and secured Tony a JUNO Award nomination for Best Reggae Recording in 2011.
His remarkable contributions to reggae music were recognized that same year at the EME Awards in Jamaica, as well as at the Canadian Reggae Music Achievement Awards, where he took home multiple honors, including Best Male Vocalist and Best Reggae Album.
Tony continued his upward trajectory with the release of his 2012 EP, Blessed Love, produced in collaboration with Kemar “Flava” McGregor. Featuring the standout tracks Living in Glory and Settle Down, the project reaffirmed Tony’s ability to create music that resonates on a deeply emotional level.
His sophomore album, Live to the Fullest (2014), and his third studio effort, Then Now & Forever (2019), further solidified his legacy. Then Now & Forever earned the Best Reggae Album award at the 2019 Bright Star Awards in the UK, while hit singles like There Goes My Baby and That Wonderful Sound topped reggae charts in New York, Canada, and South Florida.
A truly international performer, Tony Anthony has captivated audiences across North America, the Caribbean, and Europe, making appearances at major festivals, including Serbia’s renowned Exit Festival. In May 2023, he expanded his reach even further, embarking on a four-week tour across Australia, introducing new audiences to his unique brand of reggae.
Bridging Cultures Through Music
Beyond his personal achievements, Tony Anthony remains a driving force in the global reggae community. Holding degrees in Social Science and Journalism, Tony spent 16 years as a producer and videographer at OMNI Television, honing his storytelling abilities and gaining an in-depth understanding of media and entertainment.
Today, Tony serves as the CEO of Reggae North Canada INC, an organization dedicated to advancing the careers of Canadian reggae artists on the international stage. His contributions extend to radio, as he hosts Reggae North Radio, and as the founder of the Reggae North Music Awards, he plays a crucial role in recognizing and uplifting reggae talent.
Tony Anthony’s influence transcends music—he is a cultural ambassador, an advocate for reggae’s global reach, and a mentor to emerging artists.
New Music Releases: A 2025 Comeback
After a brief hiatus, Tony Anthony returns in 2025 with two highly anticipated singles, reaffirming his place at the forefront of reggae music.
🎵 January 17, 2025 – Let Go (Reggae Rendition of Dobie Gray’s Classic)
Tony’s soulful reimagination of Let Go is a testament to his ability to infuse new life into timeless songs. Produced under his label, Phylani Music, the single is a collaboration with Osborne ‘Ifield’ Joseph, with mixing and mastering by reggae veterans Willie Lindo and Kashief Lindo.
🎵 January 24, 2025 – Cease Now (Original Single on the Madda Boom Riddim)
Produced by Tasjay Productions, Cease Now marks yet another collaboration between Tony Anthony and one of the reggae industry’s most trusted production houses. Fans can expect a lyrically powerful and sonically rich track that continues Tony’s tradition of delivering socially conscious reggae anthems.
Both singles will be available on all major streaming platforms, ensuring global audiences can experience the latest evolution of Tony Anthony’s artistry.
A Lasting Legacy in Reggae
Tony Anthony’s impact on reggae is undeniable. With a career spanning decades, he remains a symbol of perseverance, artistic integrity, and cultural preservation. His ability to seamlessly blend reggae with soul, jazz, and R&B influences has earned him critical acclaim, commercial success, and the unwavering loyalty of fans worldwide.
As we celebrate Black History Month, Tony Anthony’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and cultural contributions of Black artists. His story is one of passion,
innovation, and an unyielding commitment to keeping reggae’s legacy alive.
🔗 Stay Connected with Tony Anthony:
📸 Instagram: @tonyanthonymuze
🎵 TikTok: @tony_anthony2
🐦 X (formerly Twitter): @TonyAnthony
📘 Facebook: @TonyAnthony
For press inquiries, contact:
📞 Phylani Music: +1 (647) 608-5871
📧 Email: Phylanimusic33@gmail.com
