WOMAD features

Finny and Sean from Pama International

Interview: Pama International

1. First of all, the band members read a bit like a who's who of ska. How did you all get together? How long have you been together as a band?

Finny and I formed Pama International back in 2001 here in sun-filled Newbury.  We've worked together since we were members of The Loafers (back in 1988/89).

The idea behind Pama Intl was to start enjoy the music again. I'd been signed to a major label - A&M, and didn't exactly enjoy the experience, so I just wanted to start doing the music for all the right reasons again and with like-minded people. 

We draw from a pool of friends and fantastic musicians/ people who we've known for years from bands like The Specials, Madness, Steel Pulse, Galliano, Style Council, Bentley Rhythm Ace, Andy Hamilton band, Pop Will Eat Itself and loads more.  Whoever's about at the time really.

2. How long have you and Finny been living in Newbury for?

Finny's been here all his life, with spells away living in London and touring USA.  I came here when I was six  (I was born in Zimbabwe) and have been here on and off since then.  It's an easy town to live in!

3. Tell me about your achievements as a band.

Live we've completed sell-out tours of UK, Switzerland and Italy, including playing Lost Vagueness Ballroom at Glastonbury (probably our best show to date) and Respect Festival in London twice. 

We've received airplay all over the world and here at home we've been championed by David Rodigan - Kiss 100, Mike Davies - Radio One and Xfm.  We've also recorded a Radio One Session.

Release-wise we've had albums released in Spain , Germany, Italy and USA and released three critically acclaimed albums and the new Dub Store Special EP on our own Jamdown imprint here in the UK.

I've also had six of my songs included on film soundtracks, the most successful being Lock Stock & Two Smoking Barrels.

I guess one of the biggest achievements is getting all the people involved with Pama Intl. There are some top names all just doing it because they enjoy it and love the music.

4. You're working on a new album - can you tell us about that? How does it differ from previous releases?

We're working with Groove Corporation on it.  They've mixed some legendary stuff like Bob Marley, Dillinger, Luciano, Thievery Corporation, Bim Sherman, Sly & Robbie and are fantastic to work with.  They've tightened our whole sound up and made it sound PROPER!   It'll definitely work in any Sound System now.  It's sounding monstrous!  Bone-shaking dubs vs. soul-fuelled ska and reggae.

It's a lot more down the dub route than a previously releases which is definitely a way I wanted to go, but we've retained the songs/ vocals and it works fantastically well. Similar to what Lee Perry did with Police And Thieves - a real dub feel but he kept that beautiful vocal in throughout.  We couldn't be happier with the results so far.  We've just put out a six track EP as a taster for the album and it's already creating a bit of a stir.

We're also working on a full dub album with them. Pama International meets Groove Corporation.  Looks like that'll be coming out on Different Drummer Records later in the year.

5. Tell us about the launch of your new single.

It features four dub-fuelled ska and reggae tracks and two out and out dub versions. So with six tracks I guess it's more of an EP then single.  It's due out Aug/Sept I think officially, but we've got copies back already and selling amazingly quickly from our website and at gigs.

We're holding a release party in London on Friday 29 July for it at the legendary 100 Club on Oxford St.  We've got the Studio One diva and singer of No, No, No (You Don't Love Me Anymore) Dawn Penn and from Afrika Bambaata's Zulu Nation TJ CHiLL both guesting with us.  The world famous Channel One Sound System are DJing the night and we've got new Londoners 'burningpilot' opening the evening.  Should make for an unforgettable night.

7. What is it about your kind of music that you love so much?

Wow, hard question.  I fell in love with 2 Tone as a kid.  Loved the passion and the vibrancy.  Still think The Specials-Ghost Town is one of the best songs ever written.  From there I started to discover their influences, people like Prince Buster, Toots & The Maytals, The Skatalites, Rico and discovered music had roots that stretched way back.  That fasinated me.  The whole feel of reggae music is mind blowing to me.

8. What do you love about WOMAD?

The diversity.  Being introduced to bands and musical styles I've never heard before.  Opening my mind to new worlds - all in one place.  Amazing!

9. If Pama International had a slogan, what would it be?

Love We Give, Love We Get

14. And finally, is there anything else you would like to add?

Looking forward to the whole WOMAD experience immensely.  We're playing in the Siam Tent at 3pm on the Saturday, so anyone coming to WOMAD be sure to come say hi!

For more info on Pama International check out the all-new website at www.pamainternational.co.uk  There's all the latest news, gigs, free downloads, shop  and loads more!