Pato Banton’s solo debut was 1987’s Never Give In, which included a collaboration with Paul Shaffer. After an EP in 1988, Banton released a more pop-oriented LP, Visions of the World, followed by 1990’s Wize Up! (No Compromise), which included a college radio hit in Spirits in the Material World (The Police cover) and another collaboration, “Wize Up!”, this time with David Hinds of Steel Pulse.

Banton then worked on a live album and with Mad Professor, and then released 1992’s Universal Love. After a 1994 British #1 hit in Baby Come Back (originally by Eddy Grant performing with The Equals), with Robin and Ali Campbell of UB40, a best-of album was released. 1996’s Stay Positive was followed by Life Is a Miracle in 2000. Life Is a Miracle received a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album in 2001 Recently, Banton has been playing with Mystic Roots, a reggae band formed in Chico, California.

Peter Gabriel’s organization, WOMAD, recognized Pato’s talents and invited him to headline a series of shows across the world. In recent years, Pato has led and organized many community service movements.