Anthony B Reveals How He Nearly Died After Eating ‘Fish Tea’

Anthony B has revealed that it was a fish bone that had punctured his intestines in July, resulting in him undergoing emergency surgery at the University of the West Indies Hospital days before his scheduled performance at Reggae Sumfest.

The Fire Pon Rome singer said the surgery was necessary after he experienced severe abdominal pain during a rehearsal for Reggae Sumfest.

In a recent interview with Reggae Interviews following his performance at the Reggae Land Festival in Buckinghamshire, England, Anthony B expressed his gratitude for life. “Vibration is high, I’m happy, I’m joyful. The greatest gift right now is life, and I’m happy to be alive, you know,” he said.

He also showed that he was still recovering, lifting his shirt to reveal a bandage wrapped around his torso. “I’m still under the knife,” he added.

In recounting how the events unfolded, the Trelawny native said that it happened after he had some fish soup, known traditionally in Jamaica as “fish tea”.

“So I was at Reggae Sumfest, got some fish tea, and what the doctor said is that there was a bone in the fish tea that passed my throat. It went inside my tripe and turned sideways, puncturing it. If I had gone on the Sumfest stage, I wouldn’t be here.”

Anthony B also explained that he spent nine days in the hospital before being discharged.

“I was there for like nine days, so I’m out now. So I’m just giving thanks,” he added.

Anthony B

The Trelawny native also mentioned that his compatriot Luciano’s song Lord Give Me Strength became a source of comfort during his recovery.

“As I will say to Luciano today, thank you for even that song because after I came out of surgery, I was singing that Luciano song: ‘Lord give me strength to face another day.’ That’s why we give thanks, give thanks just to be here and for that unconditional love, that unseen blessing from every side,” he said.

Anthony B’s absence from Reggae Sumfest in July was notable, as he was scheduled to perform on Concert Night Two.

Hours before his performance, his management team issued a statement saying that the 48-year-old would “not be performing on Night 2 of the Reggae Sumfest Festival as was previously promoted” due to unforeseen circumstances. However, no further details were provided at the time.

Reggae singer Norrisman later hinted at Anthony B’s illness during his performance at Reggae Sumfest.

“There is a lot of mixed emotions going on with me right now. One of my favorite artistess, my good friend; my bredrin, everything to me. He could not make it tonight on Reggae Sumfest. Keith Blair, Anthony B, bless up yourself. Whatever is going on with you, my brother, speedy recovery. Jah know, mi feel it to mi heart,” Norrisman said.

After being released from the hospital on July 30, Anthony B explained that he had flown to Montego Bay on July 17 to perform at Reggae Sumfest. However, during rehearsals with his band, he felt a “terrible” pain in his abdomen.

“I went to the hospital, and they said I have a punctured tripe, something leaking inside of me, so I had to go to the emergency room and undergo emergency surgery immediately,” he said, noting that the surgery was life-saving.