Anslem Douglas

Anslem Douglas is a Trinidadian-Canadian singer, songwriter, and author who was born and raised in the small village, La-Romain in southern Trinidad. His primary education was received from San Fernando Boys, Roman Catholic School, and he attended St. Benedic’s College for his high school education. Upon completion of high school, he attended an apprenticeship program in welding for 14 months. His first employment experience was at a hotel owned by his uncle where he functioned in the position as the manager of the night shift.

Anslem’s exposure to music began at four years old through his grandfather who hosted engagements for the community under his house. The use of the bottom of his grandfather’s house led to the recognition that the village needed a community center, which was eventually built. His musical journey was nurtured through attending folk music performances at the community center. In addition, his admiration for his older sister who was a young talented and ambitious poet, served as his role model and inspired him to develop his natural musical talent.  

Anslem’s vocal talent was molded while singing at his local Pentecostal Church in Trinidad. At age 16, he got together with a few friends in the church and formed a band called Exodus. This band quickly became very popular and not only gave him an initial taste of the spotlight, but also revealed his stardom abilities.

In 1984, Anslem enlisted in the Trinidad & Tobago Coast Guard (TTCG) for six years.  During this time, he continued to hone his vocal skills while performing with the Coast Guard band. He performed various genres of music due to his appreciation of diverse music influencers and the local greats like Blakie and the Lord Kitchener; and international superstars like Peabo Bryson and James Ingram. 

In 1986, still serving in TTCG, Anslem’s interest turned to Trinidad & Tobago’s soca and calypso music. A couple of years later, he was an established and a recognizable artist of exceptional talent. He performed with renowned big bands in Trinidad like Fire Flight and Atlantic where large audiences enjoyed his unique, husky, yet sultry sound.  During this time, he delivered some mega hits like Ragga Poom Poom, Good Music to Dance, and his international acclaimed hit, Doggie: Who Let the Dogs Out, which went on to win a Grammy and is arguably one of the most popular songs ever written and recorded. In 1994, Anslem migrated from Trinidad to Canada.

As a songwriter, Anslem has written and recorded hundreds of songs, along with recording three R&B albums. His diversity as a singer in embracing various musical genres has taken his fans through a gamut of human experiences as noted by two of his singles: Friend and Ooh Aah, both off the Soul Island album. Soul Island is a smooth jazz album. 

In 2013, Anslem released a power soca song, Bacchanal along with a Neo-Calypso song, Dancing with You, as well as recording, I Want to Know. In 2014, Boom and Broughtupcy, and a smooth Reggae track, It Wasn’t You were released.  In 2018, he recorded the song, Irie Tonight. In 2019, he released Make It Clap, and wrote, Back It Up  and Break That Cycle - a song that was written to lend his voice to the global movement about abuse. Through his music, he joined the masses in heightening awareness of the importance of breaking the cycle of abuse. The song, Abuse featured on his Sir Anslem Douglas album, is one that speaks of this social outrage. As a performing artist, domestic violence is his platform.

Anslem is an author.  In 2019, he published and released his first children’s book, The Adventures of Spin & Scratch - The Relocation. He has just completed the unpublished sequel to Spin & Scratch, The Catstastrophe! 

Anslem has been recognized for his work in the music industry. His accolades span a 2001 Grammy Award for Doggie: Who Let the Dogs Out, in the category of the Best Dance Track; and the 2014 Black Canadian Awards for being the Best Caribbean Style Artist. These accolades received are evidence of his indelible mark in the music business. His intensity and passion for his craft continues to flourish as he showcases his God given talents to audiences worldwide. Music has always been at the core of his being. Currently, he is working on a new smooth jazz, soul album.