In 1982, Paketo joined forces with Trevor Davis to record and produce the album “Praise Him” under the Child of God label. The album was recorded in a single day at Harry J Studio, blending roots reggae with a touch of lovers rock. It celebrates peace, love, and unity, as well as capturing the struggles of ghetto life and the loss of friends. The mystical horns of Bobby Ellis and Headley Bennett elevate the album to a spiritual realm, while the deep bass keeps it grounded. The lyrics to Paketo’s spiritual poems were written in this same transcendent space.
Growing up in Kingston, Jamaica, Paketo Wilson was raised in the heart of the music scene. His father, a renowned sign artist, introduced him to top musicians and opened the door to the world of music. Despite his mother’s desire for him to learn a trade and enrolling him in a local dental school, Paketo would sneak into a nearby band room and observe, eventually teaching himself to play the guitar. In 1972, at the age of 16, he began his music career with the New Vibration Band and quickly established himself as a solo artist through Daddy U-Roy’s King Stur Gav Sound System.
After releasing “Praise Him,” Paketo toured Canada and performed at the Toronto Concert Hall with Leroy Sibbles, Errol Dunkley, Phyllis Dillon, and Chester Miller. He eventually took his stage international and in 1987, he toured the world, playing in countries like Germany, England, France, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Austria.
Stream it at arabustarecords.bandcamp.com/album/praise-him. Buy Praise Him
Author: World Music Central News Room
World music news from the editors at World Music Central