By: Sueann Wickham
This week, the Guyana Standard brings to you the story of Guyanese singer Patrick Joseph, better known as “Pahjo,” who is quickly becoming a household name in the world of Soca music. His recent collaboration with two prominent regional Soca artists has catapulted him into the spotlight, with their collective creation “Mashup Kingdom” now serving as the official theme song for Antigua Carnival 2024. His journey into the captivating world of Soca music is a tale of determination, inspiration, and unwavering commitment to his craft which he was happy to share with this publication.
During his exclusive interview with the Guyana Standard he said, “I always wanted to get into music for years.” Before stepping onto the stage as a Soca sensation, Pahjo’s path led him through the dynamic landscape of event organization and management in the United Kingdom where he’s lived for years.
Reminiscing on the genesis of his musical odyssey, he said it was the serendipitous collaboration with Joel Brown, also known as Joey2skool, a local producer, that sparked the flames of his artistic pursuit. He noted that he too was a producer, “But it’s after me and Joey reconnected and he sent me a rhythm called the toolbox rhythm that the musical journey got ignited for me,” Pahjo recounted. From that moment, a dormant dream awakened, culminating in his first release titled “A Mass” in early 2020, marking the inception of his musical voyage.
As he embarked on this newfound path, Pahjo marked several milestones that etched themselves into the fabric of his journey. “My first highlight was actually performing for the very first time on a festival,” he shared, reminiscing on the exhilarating experience of captivating an audience of thousands. From performing alongside Soca luminaries like Voice and Kes to gracing stages in London, Miami, and beyond, each moment propelled him forward on his musical expedition.
As for Pahjo’s musical style, it is a fusion of tradition and innovation, a reflection of his deep-rooted connection to Soca’s rich heritage intertwined with his Guyanese upbringing. “My style I would say is very new era, Trinidad Soca with a mix of our Guyanese culture,” he elucidated. Immersed in the rhythms of Calypso legends like Sparrow, Shadow, and Kitchener, Pahjo’s musical roots run deep, tracing back to his childhood influences and even familial connections which include his uncle—popular Guyanese Calypsonian and designer, Winfield James.
“I am somebody who is 100% Soca,” Pahjo affirmed, reflecting on his lifelong immersion in the vibrant sounds of the Caribbean. His all time favourite is Machel Montano’s “Big Truck,” which he said is a masterpiece and each note resonated with him, igniting a passion that would later shape his musical identity.
Yet, beyond the infectious rhythms and pulsating beats lies a deeper narrative, woven intricately into the fabric of his songs. “I try to have some sort of message that somebody can relate to in my music,” Pahjo emphasized, underscoring his commitment to infusing meaning into his compositions.
Harmonies in Collaboration: Crafting Musical Masterpieces
In the dynamic realm of music, collaboration often serves as a catalyst for creativity, igniting sparks of ingenuity that transcend individual boundaries. Pahjo’s recent collaboration with Zamoni from Antigua and Mr. Benji from Dominica exemplifies the transformative power of musical synergy.
“This collaboration came about from my producer Shaker HD,” Pahjo reflected, shedding light on the genesis of this groundbreaking partnership. With the instrumental in hand, Pahjo embarked on a creative journey that transcended borders and united artists from diverse backgrounds. “I wrote the whole song. I sent it to them and he was like, “Yo, this is crazy,” Pahjo recounted, reflecting on the genesis of “Mashup Kingdom.”
He added, “It was meant to be just the two of us but then Mr. Benji heard the demo and he was like, Yo, I gotta get on this.”
For Pahjo, the creative process is not just about producing melodies; it’s about crafting narratives that resonate with audiences on a profound level. “I just let the energy lead,” he said as he reflected on the genesis of “Mashup Kingdom,” while also emphasizing the importance of allowing inspiration to flow freely. From playful mumbles to poignant lyrics, each step of the journey is imbued with intention and authenticity.
As the song took shape, Pahjo found himself immersed in a collaborative whirlwind, drawing inspiration from the talents of Zamoni and Mr. Benji. “When Zamoni came into the studio, it was something special,” Pahjo recalled, recounting the transformative power of their collective creativity. Together, they breathed life into the song, infusing it with energy and vitality that resonates with listeners far and wide.
“The creative process for me is very simple,” Pahjo explained, emphasizing the importance of collaboration rooted in mutual respect and dedication. As Zamoni and Mr. Benji lent their voices to the project, the song evolved into a symphony of voices, each contributing their unique essence to the sound.
Antigua’s Anthem: A Triumph of Musical Expression
When Pahjo learned that “Mashup Kingdom” had been chosen as Antigua’s official carnival song for 2024, it was a moment of profound validation and exhilaration. “I was quite excited,” he recalled, envisioning the song’s impact on the vibrant carnival celebrations that define Antiguan culture. “The Antiguans, they party very, very differently,” Pahjo noted, acknowledging the unique energy and enthusiasm that permeate the island’s festivities.
As “Mashup Kingdom” resonates through the streets of Antigua, it embodies the spirit of celebration and camaraderie that defines carnival. “We come out to party,” Pahjo explained, capturing the essence of the song’s message. “We work so hard all year round. When we come to party, there’s no ‘stushness.’ It’s everybody just expressing themselves,” he added, underscoring the song’s role in fostering a sense of collective joy and liberation.
Charting the Course Forward
The selection of “Mashup Kingdom” as Antigua’s official carnival song heralds a new chapter in Pahjo’s musical journey—one filled with promise, opportunity, and the potential for transformative growth. “I think it will impact my career in a massive way,” Pahjo asserted, acknowledging the significance of this milestone in his artistic evolution.
With doors opening to new collaborations and stages, Pahjo looks ahead with optimism and determination. “It will open the doors to a lot more potential collaborations,” he shared, envisioning a future where his music transcends borders and resonates with audiences around the globe. As he continues to fly the flag of Guyana proudly, Pahjo remains committed to his craft, driven by a passion for music and a desire to connect with listeners on a deeper level.
The Future of Pahjo’s Musical Journey
As the curtain falls on one chapter, another begins, teeming with possibilities and promise. For Pahjo, the road ahead is paved with excitement and anticipation, as he embarks on a musical odyssey that knows no bounds. “Musically, there is an exciting journey ahead of me,” he declared, his voice brimming with enthusiasm.
With collaborations with Problem Child and local rising stars such as Omaiah Hall and Carlvin Burnette on the horizon, Pahjo’s trajectory is poised for greatness. “There’s a lot of work,” he acknowledged, underscoring his unwavering commitment to his craft and his dedication to pushing the boundaries of musical innovation. As he prepares to grace stages around the world and share his music with audiences far and wide, Pahjo remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence, guided by a vision of creating music that transcends borders and unites hearts.
As his journey unfolds, one thing remains certain: the best is yet to come for Pahjo, Guyana’s rising star of Soca brilliance.
Those interested in hearing his new song currently making waves can follow this link: https://youtu.be/e8pxWVuhpiM?si=y6VPy5DN1uwsTCpV
He can also be found via Instagram @pahjomusicofficial.
