“KEEP the music clean, we need more unity and love in the business,” is the message that Miami-based Reggae artiste King Banton is preaching.

King Banton who has not performed in Jamaica in over two years says he can’t wait to hit the local stage. For him there is no place like home as he says you get a different rush of emotion performing on your own local soil.

King Banton is presently working on tracks for his latest album which he says will be ready in early spring.

Among the early tracks identified for the yet untitled album are, Fight Demself, What You Don’t Like For Yourself and I Don’t Wanna Live Without You.

“It will be a lover’s rock, roots vibes kind of album,” King Banton said about his upcoming project.

Hailing from Savanna-la-Mar in Westmoreland, the music bug bit King Banton in his early teens. He never missed an opportunity to showcase his talent at schools, community events and in the dancehall every chance he got. Encouraged by friends he decided to take the business more serious.

Crediting Dennis Brown as his mentor King Banton focused on singing roots rock reggae with many comparing him to the late singer whom he looked up to.

In 1999 and 2000 King Banton won the Atlanta Caribbean Award for Male Vocalist of the Year. In 2001, he helped arrange the recording of Pray For Love, a tribute to New York City following the World Trade Center bombing.

Among King Banton’s recordings are Counterstrike, Higher Places, Mr Rise and Fall — which hit number 12 on the South Florida top 20 charts, Only a Matter of Time and Zion’s Gate, a song which delivers a strong message of living good to ensure your entrance through the gates of Zion.

King Banton is now in the process of releasing some new singles Yesterday and Today, produced by Joe Fraser Record, You Don’t Need Me a Melodians cover and Jam Tonight a Freddie Jackson cover.