Paapa Wastik

PAAPA
WASTIK

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PAAPA WASTIK

Paapa Wastik is a dynamic artist whose musical journey began in Cape Coast, Ghana (West Africa). Growing as a child he was surrounded by a plethora of musical genres. Ranging from the melodies of the fisherfolk united in call and response melodies, to meet the roaring waves as they formed working chorus’s to drag in the nets at dusk, to the more cosmopolitan ‘highlife’ sounds of the bands of his time.
Through the impact of his mothers broad musical taste he developed his lifelong love for music. Being an avid lover of music, she was known to consistently have music playing within the family home; and bonded with her children by taking them to enjoy the sights and sounds of festive live concert parties. Which were quite popular at the time.
It was within these formative years Paapa began to develop an appreciation for music steeped in proverbial messages, as he could be heard singing word for word music to likes of Pryce Armah, Nana Ampedu, Obuorba JA Adofo,George Darko, Lee Duodu, Akwesi Ampofo Agyei, Amkye Dede, AB Cresntsil, Paapa Yankson, Pat Thomas, and Daddy Lumba were some of the cherished favorites.
His introduction to reggae music ironically came from a neighbor whose speaker box was always blasting tunes from foundational reggae artists such as Peter Tosh, Culture, Bob Marley, Ras Kimono, Burning Spear, and Don Carlos.
During his teen years, he lived life in the eastern region of Ghana. His time there imparted many unique career shaping experiences. As a result of the town being on the circuit of many popular high-life bands of the era, he was able to see and work as a stagehand to many performers. Gaining a wealth of knowledge as to the intricacies of live band performance. Of which he would begin to harness and strengthen within his secondary school career.
In the early 2000s, his livity within RastafarI and artists such as Joseph Hill of Culture, Buju Banton, Sizzla, Capelton, were all influential in shifting the trajectory of his lyrical expression. Solidifying a commitment to produce strictly conscious, roots and reality music.
Discography, Notable Performances and Presentations:
In 2003, Paapa Wastik released his first album,”MAMA AFRICA’’
which was produced by himself in company with Gabriel Fossati Bellani from the US.
In 2006 Paapa Wastik embarked on preparation of his second album “THANKS & PRAISE” which was partially recorded in Bob Marley’s renowned “Tuff Gong Studios” in Jamaica. Where he teamed up with IRWMA Award winning percussionist Bongo Herman, reggae artists Lutan Fyah, and Jah Marcus to produce the heavy hitting tracks “Fire Burn Dem”, “Home Sweet Home”, and “Makomaa Mu Hemaa”.

With the album released the following year in 2007, songs like “Home Sweet Home” received massive airplay internationally, and became a theme anthem among fans world wide. In addition to the song “Makomaa Mu Hemaa” earning a nomination for 2008 ‘Reggae Song of the year’ at the Ghana Music Awards.

With cultural unity and preservation at the core of his mission he continued to record and present music;

-Releasing his 3rd album ‘UNITY FOR AFRICA’ in 2012.

With the title track of the album recorded in Jamaica at ‘Anchor Studios’ and ‘River Nile’ Studios respectively, which features Jah Mason.

Much of this album’s success is credited to Ghanian multi-award winning music producer and sound engineer, King Oja of 420 Drumz in Cape Coast, Ghana.

-His 4th studio album “I-STORY ” features Afro-dancehall artist StoneBwoy and consists of 13 tracks distributed by Zojack Worldwide.

His diligence and perseverance in the music industry earned him nominations at the GHANA BASS Awards in Accra, Ghana.

-In 2016 with “This Feeling” for reggae song of the year, and in

-2017` he was nominated for ‘Reggae Artist of the Year’

Paapa Wastik has graced the stages at a number of international music festivals that include,

-Reggae on the River, Reggae Rising, Sierra Nevada World Music festival in CA, USA

-NorthWest World Reggae Festival OR, USA , Seattle HempFest WA, USA

– Victoria Ska & Reggae Fest in Canada,

– Pana Fest, Pan-African Culture festival Ghana,

– Lafayette Reggae and Cultural Festival Louisiana, where he was presented with a plaque of distinction as a ‘Cultural Ambassador’ and played along with the legendary South African reggae artist Lucky Dube.

– WIADCA (West Indian American Day Carnival Association Annual Labor Day Carnival~ Paapa Wastik was the opening artist at “Reggae-AfroBeat-Soca Unda Di Stars” Labor day weekend at the Brooklyn Museum in Brooklyn NY. Where he shared the stage with artists such as Nailah Blackman, Lyrical, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Ayo Jay, Charley Black and a host of other Caribbean and African artists.

– He received a certificate of recognition as a ‘Cultural Ambassador for the State of New York’ presented by New York state Senator Jesse Hamilton

Paapa Wastik kickstarted 2024 with a new single “Beyond The Bus” in honor of Mrs Rosa Parks and gearing up to release a new EP this year. Watch out for Paapa Wastik as he embark his Music Is My Mission Tour 2024.