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Reggae artist speaks to crime through his music

Bermudian rising reggae star Troy Anthony has released his latest album “Next Generation”.

Stemming the tide of black-on-black violence is the focus of Troy Anthony's latest album.‘Next Generation' addresses a huge concern for Mr Anthony and many in Bermuda the Island's increasing crime rate.The artist shared his thoughts on black-on-black violence and crime with The Royal Gazette.“In terms of having a solution to the problem, there really is no one solution, as there are many, but it is going to take a collective effort from all Bermudians who really care for our young men and women and the future of our Country,” he said.“So we must start by simply asking the root questions: what is all the fighting about and how did these weapons end up on the streets of such a small country? And then we need to make a solid effort to put the right kind of people in the right positions.”He added: “I also believe it's time for the church to come out of the comfort of the walls and do the job that Christ has called us to do. The days of not getting our hands dirty are over.“God has called us to be salt in the earth, but we're so busy fighting with each other we have failed to do our part as a body. Bermuda has all the pieces needed for change we just need to bring the pieces together.”The artist expressed his pain in watching the downward spiral of youngsters here.“[I see them as they] throw away the hard work and dedication that our past leaders strived for and in some cases lost their lives for because they were simply trying to prepare a better life for the present generation.”Change will take a “group effort from all races”, Mr Anthony added.“[It will depend on] people coming together and showing that we care for our Country and her people.“It's no time to be afraid. It's only time to love and raise the standard of living within ourselves. [We must] first bond together with the grace of God, as one unit, to stomp out evil and restore hope back into our families.”Mr Anthony was in a car accident on his 21st birthday that claimed the life of one of his closest friends. This tragic event pushed him to start writing songs as a catharsis.He began recording and managed to get air play on some Bermuda stations. It led to him opening for the likes of reggae artists Luciano, Morgan Heritage, Sizzla, Anthony B and Mikey General.Still, he was haunted by the death of his friend and began asking questions that only God could answer. His questions were answered in January 1999, in a little church on the very same street his friend was killed.Mr Anthony's first album, ‘Rise Up', came out in 2006.“I grew up listening to and sharing the stage with some of reggae's bests like Dennis Brown, Garnet Silk, Tony Rebel to name a few,” he said.“Reggae is the only music that I could relate to that reflects my island roots, and in my opinion, the only music that has such powerful heartfelt messages.”Watching successful artists perform helped him to excel.“At 18, my love for singing began to grow and I would practise often and experiment with different vocal ranges and styles.”Now a Christian, husband and father-of-two, he said: “I am more determined than ever to bring good music with a strong message of encouragement, truth, love and enlightenment to the people.”His current album ,‘Next Generation', has 15 tracks.“It has some strong songs on it and I am sure the listening public will enjoy them.”‘Next Generation' is available in local stores and on iTunes.

Lyrics for 'Black on Black'

Black on Black there is too much of that I remember when we use to live with ease on the block

But now we kill each other cuz we're Gs on the block. More love we have to bring it back

Nuff of them don't know the truth of life, time now to listen to your conscious and live wise great people have already died for you and I to live this life.

Chorus: No I can't believe it. Why they want to kill another one dead. Too much gun shot a bust too much badness spread. No I said I can't believe it just take a look into their lives it's like they've lost their head ...they're living, but they're living like the living dead.

Better be careful of the seeds that you sow whatever you plant in your life is going to grow

The weeds kill the good that know whatever you do in the dark is going to show

Life is one big road with a whole heap of signs you better get this in your mind.

Chorus: No I can't believe it. Why they want to kill another one dead. Too much gun shot a bust too much badness spread. No I said I can't believe it just take a look into their lives it's like they've lost their head ...they're living, but they're living like the living dead.

Good over evil we pray for the people done with the killing put a stop the sequel

Because life is precious the worthless clean up your heart and just cut the lip service come to Christ and he will grant you forgiveness.

Chorus: No I can't believe it. Why they want to kill another one dead. Too much gun shot a bust too much badness spread. No I said I can't believe it just take a look into their lives it's like they've lost their head ...they're living, but they're living like the living dead.