Pato Banton Backstage Inside The Rosen Plaza
Hosted By Lance-o W / Red - 1
- October 28, 2011
- 0 Comments
- By Story/Photos By Kimmee and Lanceo
Since the late 1960’s Reggae music has been a platform for expressing the message of spirituality, human connection, respect and above all; love towards all mankind. For almost 40 years Pato Banton has brought his evolving and unique blend of reggae and love up to a global scale. Over the years Pato has developed his own original blend of music to express himself and bring people together as one universe.
Born Patrick Murray in London in 1961, Pato started working the door as a lookout for his Jamaican stepfather’s illegal all night DJ parties at their home in Birmingham, England at the impressionable age of nine. Absorbing the musically rich environment he quickly became a much desired Selecter (DJ) and was dubbed Pato by his stepdad. (A Patoo is a nocturnal owl of Jamaica that makes a sound similar to it’s name.) By the age of 16 Ranking Pato became the most desired DJ in England. In 1980 he joined a local roots reggae band called Crucial Music and after a successful five years touring, performing and managing the band, Pato decided to move on with his career.
In 1982 Pato participated in and won a talent show judged by Ranking Roger and Dave Wakeling of The English Beat. That resulted in the single “Pato & Roger A Go Talk” which appeared on the Beat’s gold selling album Special Beat Service. Soon afterward he collaborated with UB40 on two albums; Baggariddim and Little Baggariddim.
Soon after Pato changed his professional name to Pato Banton when he auditioned for Fashion Records, the producers were so impressed they gave him the name, (Banton means a heavyweight lyricist term in DJ circles.) Pato teamed up with the top London MC Tippa Irie toured the world and recorded songs like “Double Trouble,” “Dance Pon De Spot” and “Dem No Know Bout Pressure.”
In July of 1987 Pato recorded his first album “Mad Professor Captures Pato Banton” which is deemed a reggae classic. Pato worked with many artists during this time, renaming his band The Reggae Revolution and toured extensively. IRS showed interest in Pato and after signing with them in 1988 he released “Never Give In” which had classic songs such as “Don’t Sniff Coke” and “Settle Satan.”
By 1989 Pato was touring with such legends as Ziggy Marley, Burning Spear and Steel Pulse. He was regarded as one of the best live performers in the reggae industry. From 1990-1994 Pato was consolidating with David Hinds of Steel Pulse, again with both UB40 and Ranking Roger creating albums and singles including “Collections” which included a cover of Eddy Grant’s single “Baby Come Back.” At this time Pato was a household name all over the world. In 1996 Pato partenered with Sting on reggae remix of “This Cowboy Song” which earned a top ten slot in the UK and South American charts. Sting and Pato worked together again on a nationally televised media event in Spain that same year.
By Pato’s ninth album in 1996, “Stay Positive,” Pato had blended his classic reggae sounds with messages of peace, love and spiritual unity. He again collaborated with Sting and did a remake of the Police classic song “Spirits in a Material World” which was included on the soundtrack of the Jim Carey movie “Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls.”
The year 2000 brought Pato on a path of spirituality which led him to record his 10th album “Life is a Miracle” which gained a Grammy Nomination and clearly defined the metaphysical growth Pato had been experiencing during his musical career. Peter Gabriel’s organization, WOMAD, (World of Music, Arts & Dance) recognized him and his talents which led to him headlining a series of shows around the world. This guided Pato to embark upon music workshops for disadvantaged children across the world. It was during this time that Pato felt he had succeeded in his goals as a musician and wanted to focus his energy on his own hometown community of Birmingham, England. He took a position at Matthew Boulton College and led courses in sound engineering, vocal tuition, keyboard and guitar lesson, DJ mixing and music technology. He also successfully completed Levels I & II in teacher training and a course in counseling skills. At the same time he created a community network called Musical Connections which was designed to put music equipment and computers into 16 youth centers. He also set up a Community Classroom at Matthew Boulton where young people could learn about achieving a college education through music.
In 2001 Pato launched another community outreach program called Muzik Links. This was designed to reach young people who were at risk for crime and gangs and gave hundreds the opportunity to be involved in professional recordings, dance troupes and live performances. Pato volunteered his services as counselor, mentor or public speaker and by performing at local community events.
By the end of 2002 Pato opened up his own School of Musical Arts and Technology or SMAAT which was also located in Birmingham. Shortly after they were approached by South Birmingham College and offered Pato the position of Assistant Director of Creative Studies. In a partnership with West Midlands Police Force they developed Project Venatra. This program drastically reduced the number of gun related incidents across the city. Because of this Pato was awarded the BBC’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to positive change. In the same year Pato received the Black Music Award for Lifetime Achievement in recognition of his work with the British Music Industry. In addition, Pato was formally honored and inducted into the Reggae International Hall of Fame alongside UB40 and Steel Pulse.
Since that time Pato released three more albums and has refocused on touring, performing and bringing his message of universal unity to people globally. Be sure not to miss Pato deliver his unique blend of reggae and positive energy through music. At a time when many may be questioning their faith and values Pato is welcomed back with open arms.
You can keep up with Pato Banton on his website:
www.patobanton.com. Captain Hiram’s is located at 1580 US 1, Sebastian. (772) 589-4345 for more information.
Pato will bring his message of universal unity to Cocoa Beach at the Sandbar on
At a time when many people may be questioning their faith in humanity.
