One of the housing schemes that started in St Andrew during the late 1950s and early 1960s, Pembroke Hall, holds special memories for original residents like Kenneth “Paco” Gordon, who moved there with his family in March 1962.

On August 4 he stages Pembroke Hall Reunion at Pembroke Hall High School.

The show, which features a number of roots acts, is a homecoming for the community’s residents.

“Mi inna Pembroke Hall from 1962, from mi a seven year old. When we move here some a di house dem neva finish, an’ neva even have fence,” Paco told the Jamaica Observer.

Over the years, Paco has played several roles in Pembroke Hall, including organising roots dances and corner league football competitions.

The objective of Pembroke Hall Reunion is to send a message that roots-reggae is alive and well.

“Is a culture show. We find dat di media a promote all di slack songs, it seem to be di new standard. What we want to do is bring back di roots an’ culture vibe,” he said.

A bass guitarist, Paco remembers a music-strong community, with residents including producer Donovan Germain, singers Keith and Tex, and The Browne Bunch.

Since the 1990s, Pembroke Hall has been home to Flames Productions, operated by Tony Rebel.

The dreadlocked Paco joined the Twelve Tribes of Israel in 1975, shortly after graduating from Kingston College.

For many years he was part of Youthman Promotions, the company founded and operated by singer Sugar Minott. Paco recorded and toured with Sugar Minott and played bass on songs by artistes associated with his label, such as Tenor Saw and Yami Bolo.

Several artistes on Pembroke Hall Reunion are also members of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, a Rastafarian organisation founded in 1968 by Vernon “Prophet Gad” Carrington. They include Billy Mystic, Fred Locks, Sangie Davis, Stimulus Visionaires, Israel Voice, and Jah Mel.

Mark Wonder, Junior Cat, Nana EQ, and Marlon Brown are some of the other acts on the show.