Anchants

There’s a certain dis-ease that exists in the music industry and it’s called “labels.” When one hears the term, “Reggae,” usually what comes to mind are stereotypical labels like, “Jamaican music,” and some of its more popular recording artists. This music, which is looked at primarily as Jamaican, is far from such. Other Caribbean islands, by influence as well as their own initiatives, have produced a large number of artists that can easily be placed into the “Reggae” category. Take for example the influx of musicians from the Virgin Islands that are finally being heard and taken seriously.
In 2002, Arif Anwar, after moving to Raleigh, N.C. from St.Croix where he grew up, would express the desire to make his own music. A self-taught musician, he would learn to play the drums, bass, percussions and some keys, leading to the deeply rooted island sound, “Anchants.”
Gaining momentum, Anchants played with some of the more established names to come out of the Virgin Islands roots family, as well as ones from the North Carolina, Raleigh area, where he still resides.
After taking some time away from the scene to develop his own label, "VIbrance The Arts," Arif would return to the stage at The 7th Annual Bob Marley Birthday Bash in Carrboro NC. in Feb. of 2008. He dazzled the crowd, with a guest appearance performing "Word Sound" from "Merkaba," VTA's second production, which displays Arif's musiciaship and also sheds light on the vocal and writing abilities that complete the sound "Anchants".
To see/hear "Anchants" live is a treat, especially for anyone who appreciates original music and raw talent. Lead vocalist, Arif, has a stage presence that is magnetic, and his lyrics open a window to thoughts beyond the norm. The sound is distinctive and transcendental. With it’s foundation in the heavy bass and drum patterns common to the older rudiments of roots reggae. Sets vary from smooth ethereal tracks like "Silence" "Dem Kind" and "This Picha" to the popular crowd pleasers "Aha!", "Word Sound" and "Run Duppy". Current contributors are Neal Boyek (keyboards), Eric "Bobo" Broadway (drums), Dean Erwin (bass), Brain Best (guitar) and Melvin “O.C. Irie" (percussions). A unit that has been able to move crowds virgin to their songs. Check for the sound "Anchants".
("And chant(s) for the "Most High").