Kingston 10, the first EP from singjay Pettodene, released on June 6, is named for the area code in which he has lived since moving to the capital from his native St Ann.

The title song was released in 2024, and the recently released track Greatness is a collaboration with one of the neo-roots-reggae movement’s brightest lights, singer Samory I.

Pettodene told the Jamaica Observer that Greatness sums up his outlook on life.

“It’s telling people that no matter the hardness you face in life you have to persevere. Persistence is to try; it’s basically my life story,” said the artiste.

Pettodene met Samory I shortly after settling in Kencot, where she is from.

“Is a brother ting. Wi always seh wi want to do a song together, but it had to be di right time an’ di right message,” said Pettodene.

Born Michael Johnson in Ocho Rios, he attended Marcus Garvey Technical High School. After graduation he did a stint with the State-run National Youth Service and Rural Agricultural Development Authority (RADA).

Pettodene, however, was drawn to music. He listened to the classic songs of Bob Marley and Dennis Brown, as well as dancehall acts like Vybz Kartel.

He made his recording début in 2020 with Guzu Dung, a song produced by Wildlife Entertainment. It was followed up by
Thoughts and Guzman.

— Howard Campbell