When one thinks of reggae, visions of Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Jamaica jump to mind – not necessarily England. But that is where reggae superstar Pato Banton got his “blue beat” chops, and not from any band.
Born in London, England in 1961 and moved to Birmingham eight years later, Banton says his stepfather was a Jamaican disc jockey and his house was the “Jamaican party house” of the area. As the young Banton watched the scene grow from island music, to ska then to reggae – becoming a DJ seemed to be his natural calling. This eventually lead to Banton becoming the singer, songwriter and producer in his own local reggae band.
It was the early 1980s by then and Banton enlisted his band for a talent show put on by popular ska band of the time the Beat – known in America as the English Beat –
He was then enlisted by UB-40 as a guest vocalist on the “Baggariddim” album from 1985. From there, as they say, it was game on.
Banton has been touring since the ‘80s and as one of the top reggae acts in the world, has shared the stage with many contemporaries like Steel Pulse, Sting, UB-40 and Besahra – and has 17 albums under his belt.
He is also more than a musician, and donates his time to schools as a motivational speaker. Banton started his own music school, the School of Musical Arts and Technology in the United Kingdom, where he works with youth to help them find a positive direction through music, but also works in prisons to help reduce gun violence.
Banton was awarded the BBC’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 for his dedication and commitment to positive change.
So how does an international reggae star find his way to Sonoma Valley?
It was local reggae concert producer and DJ on Sonoma Valley’s community radio KSVY, Baggajo – who has a reggae music show on Sundays at 1 p.m. – who initially approached Max Young, former owner of Rossi’s 1906 (now under new ownership as the Reel) with the prospect of a show. Young about jumped out of his hat, as Banton was one of his childhood musical heroes, so the show was on. Banton has played the venue repeatedly since.
Banton has toured almost constantly since the ‘80s, as he is his own manager, producer, booking agent, video producer, band leader and even owns his own record label.
The act is currently on the California leg of its current tour and after will head to Japan, Taiwan, Korea and beyond. He will be in Sonoma at the Reel Fish Shop and Grill with his band, the Now Generation, on Saturday April 1, kicking off at 8:30 p.m. Tickets will be available at the door.
The Reel is at 401 Grove St.
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