Pato Banton Announces Final World Tour

This might be the last chance for South Shore reggae fans to catch Pato Banton while he’s still in the music business.

They shouldn’t fret, however: After the multifaceted British reggae star releases his next album — one he calls the culmination of his career — he’ll be out of the business but will continue making music on the road and in the studio.

“I don’t know if I will record anything in the future, but I will say this album is the culmination of all the albums over the years,” Banton told Lake Tahoe Action. “It’s something that if I had to leave this planet tomorrow, I’ve created something that I’m happy to leave on the planet and move on.”

Banton is designing the artwork for the album, “Destination Paradise,” which is due out in August, and plans to tour again in support of the new release. It also completes a thematic cycle that began with Banton’s first studio album, “Never Give In” and has continued with each of his releases.

“As far as my musical mission, I feel this album is the culmination of my musical journey as Pato Banton.”

There’s still plenty of work to do as part of the musical mission, though.
While he was touring the U.S. in 1999, Banton learned that his sons were hurt in a drive-by shooting. Both survived, but the shooting prompted Banton to refocus.
“I took time out, I got involved in community work, working with kids in crime, homeless kids, gang members,” Banton said.

According to the biography on his Web site, Banton returned home to England, where he started two community projects, Musical Connections (to put music equipment and computers into youth centers) and Muzik Links (to attract at-risk youth to music).

By the end of 2002, Banton had helped two colleges institute music programs, and he was assistant director of creative studies at South Birmingham College in his hometown. Project Ventara, a partnership with the West Midlands Police Force, helped reduce the number of gun-related incidents in the city.

He found the experience more rewarding than performing. Yet, in 2005, he was ready to resume playing live shows and recording. Leaving what he established in Birmingham in the hands of those who would continue the work, he released “The Words of Christ” double album in 2006.

He also returned to the U.S., and the “Positive Vibrations” album followed.
“I think inside there was always a desire to continue making my music and touring, and not even so much pursue a career, but more providing a service,” he said. “My music has always been a spiritual mission for me.”

It was in the U.S. that he met the Mystic Roots band from Chico. Mystic Roots was already proficient with Banton’s music and would become his first all-white backing band. Matching the singer’s dance moves and stage show would follow — eventually.

“That took about six months,” Banton joked. “And it’s something that’s still in progress.”

Banton hailed the Mystic Roots’ youthful vibe and said the band accentuates the hip-hop element in his music.

“I think they have kind of incorporated the ideas and melodies into my music, and it’s very refreshing,” he said. “It also brings that (vibe) out of me, because anything they bring to the table, I bounce off of it, and it does inspire me to do different things in different ways.

“Also, the band is very tight and that gives me as a live performer the freedom to experiment while we’re doing a show, and I think one of the most important things Mystic Roots brings to me as a band is a sense of brotherly love and unity which I’ve never experienced before.”

The mission of peace, love and unity continues Saturday, June 21, when Pato Banton and the Mystic Roots play Whiskey Dick’s Saloon in South Lake Tahoe. Doors open at 9 p.m.

“Pato Banton has still got a vibrant exciting show,” he said. “The years have only added to my experience, and come see Pato Banton and Mystic Roots: It’s an exciting experience that should not be missed.

“It’s a crazy world out there. Life is full of ups and downs, but no matter what you go through, stay positive and never give in.”


The Reggae News Agency

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