THE MATURE SIDE OF ANTHONY MALVO!

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL—

Anthony Malvo

IN an image-conscious industry, many artistes shy away from giving timelines to avoid revealing their age. Not so for Anthony Malvo, whose 38 years in the music business inspired the title of his latest album Matured which contains 12 songs and was released on July 15.

“I named it Matured because l grew up in this business from a teenager until now, a mature man. Also, I understood what the masses want to listen to, so I created something for everyone. I included a little culture, lovers’ rock, and dancehall — the album have something for everyone,” the 56-year-old Malvo shared in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

“I think this is an excellent album because it comes with years of experience, grit, and the love of reggae music,” he added.

Three songs from Matured — Give Thanks, Jah is my Light and Everything — were previously released. Production on the project started in 2020, during the emergence of COVID-19.

It hears Atlanta-based Malvo working with several producers including Delly Ranx, Ed Robinson and Tony English. While he maintains an old-school approach to making music, the veteran singer stressed the importance of reaching a new generation of fans.

“Yes, it is important to stay current if you intend to stay in this business. Staying current helps the artiste to endure and have longevity in the business. This is my career and I am nowhere near to retirement,” Malvo declared. “Reggae music is a passion and in order to compete in this business one [has] to stay current. This is my bread and butter; and [in] anticipating the needs of my fans I do my best to fulfill their musical needs.”

From August Town in St Andrew, Malvo cut his teeth on sound systems in his hometown. He recorded a spattering of singles before getting a massive hit in 1987 with Come Back to Me, a collaboration with Tiger.

That dancehall spin on The Deele’s Two Occasions was one of the biggest hits for 1987 in Jamaica and reggae markets in the United States and United Kingdom. Other hits followed such as Greatest Girl Lover (with Daddy Lizard) and a cover of Peabo Bryson’s Can You Stop The Rain.

Thirty years later, Anthony Malvo is still hungry for chart success.

“I realize it has been a long time since my last album was released but nothing happens before the time. However, I have been consistently working and making music to stay on top of my game. I have released several singles and videos over the years and now it is my time to shine,” he opined.