Pnology goes all-out ska
Most ska buffs agree the best way to play that music is live. British rapper Pnology, whose latest song I Am has elements of ska, recently re-recorded the single with a band from back home.
The original version, which features American rapper Shifty P, is a blend of “bashment, hip hop and ska”. Produced by DJ Karim, it was released in late 2022.
When he decided to put a different spin on the song, Pnology called on his uncle Charley Anderson for assistance. Anderson is a member of The Selecter, a ska band from Coventry, Pnology’s hometown in the British Midlands.
“Whist we were in Jamaica, my uncle had set up a band for his music but said I could use the band, so I sent them the track. That was the first time we had all met, but the magic that was created in that room was serious talent,” said Pnology.
“The musicians brought an element like no other, I would love to perform this with the band at a festival.”
The ska cut of I Am is produced by Davian McNaughton, keyboardist for the band. Drummer Tommi-Jae Barrett, bassist Jowayne Smith and guitarist Denver Downer also played on the track.
Pnology was born to Barbadian parents in a region of the United Kingdom known for its massive West Indian community which began developing in the early 1960s when ska took shape in Jamaica.
Ska became popular in UK communities with similar demographics. Its British offspring, Two-tone, originated in Coventry where its most successful exponents, The Specials, are from.
The initial recording of I Am features Shifty P from Chicago who Pnology first met 10 years ago at a festival in Scotland. That version is from The Blacklist, an EP of hip hop and R&B songs scheduled for release this year.
Pnology and Shifty P visited Jamaica last year and did studio sessions with DJ Karim in Kingston. They also filmed a video for I Am in Negril.