Pahjo: From Georgetown Roots to Global Soca Stages — Purpose, Passion & Identity

Born and raised in Georgetown, Guyana, and now rooted in the UK, Pahjo is an artist whose journey into soca is powered by purpose, patience, and lived experience. Known in his family as the “soca mad man,” music was always in his DNA — but life, responsibility, and survival delayed the dream. It wasn’t until his 30s, guided by the words of late DJ Buju and driven by a need for expression, that Pahjo fully stepped into his calling.

From early influences like Mighty Sparrow and Machel Montano to writing songs that celebrate freedom, unity, and emotional release, Pahjo represents a new generation of soca artistes who balance energy with substance. His rise has been marked by defining moments — from Antigua Carnival anthems to writing alongside legends — but at the core remains a man grounded in culture, faith, and authenticity. In this Worlmag feature, Pahjo opens up about identity, evolution, mental health, and why soca remains the Caribbean’s happy place.

Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from and how your journey began?

Born and Raise in Georgetown, Guyana and moved to the UK when I was 19. Soca has always been in my genes. I was known as the soca mad man for the family as I was always the one dancing and getting on wild. I knew I wanted to do music from a young age; in primary school actually. My journey into soca never came until my 30’s, as life happened. I had a family at a young age and my focus was all about survival in this new landscape. I was motivated to get back into it by a dj by the name of DJ BUJU (RIP). He always said, do what you want to do, smoke if you want, drink if you want. In 2019 I had a friend in Guyana who was also on his journey into production and he would normally send me the stuff he is working on. He sent me tool box riddim and I wrote something to it. When Buju passed away, his words stood out and I contacted Joey2Kool and told him lets go. From there it has been no looking back.

What inspired you to pursue music seriously, especially soca?

It’s always been a passion, as I paid attention to soca from young. Big Truck from Machel Montano was the song that cemented my love into this genre and it’s always been a motivator. I still cannot hear that song without wilding out.

Why did you choose the stage name “Pahjo” and what does it mean to you?

Pahjo is a combination of my real name Patrick Joseph. The H was put in to add some flare.

Who were your earliest musical influences growing up?

The Mighty Sparrow, Winfield James, Machel Montano, Krosfyah, Shadow

What’s one childhood memory that shaped your connection to music?

My bedroom overlooked the backyard. My aunt would host her parties there, but the kids would be sent to bed. But I was fortunate to have an elevated view and would sit there and look at the elders party freely to Calypso music.

How would you describe your sound and style as an artist?

I still think I am trying to find a particular sound. I am very versatile in all formats of soca, except for Dennery. At the beginning I had more of an aggressive tone, but over the years with the accompaniment of vocal coaching, I am taking a deepr interest in the soul groovy vibe. But still love my party vibes. Energetic.

Walk us through your creative process — where do you start when writing a song?

It’s always the melody. I don’t listen to a beat until I press record. I will put down whatever comes to mind. It is mostly gibberish. I listen to that gibberish and sometimes I hear words that birth an Idea, and I go from there.

What part of making a song do you enjoy the most (lyrics, melody, production)?

Lyrics and Melody is definitely my strong points. I am considering going to production school to add that to my CV.

Do you write differently for a soca carnival anthem vs. a slower groove track?

Yes and No. More recently I am putting more emotion into Groovy. I am trying to move away from the jump and wave and transition into topics that are more relatable and tell my story.

How has your music evolved since your first release (Ah Mas in 2020)?

Day and Night. I couldn’t hold a note in 2020. Working with vocal coaches, professional writers and amazing producers, my sound has changed leaps and bounds. I actually get squeamish listening to my early stuff.

You’ve worked with artists like Problem Child on Identity — how did that partnership happen?

I met Problem Child in London and we connected. He was real cool and he entrusted me with his number. When Gareth from Caricom music contacted me with this beat, I told him I wanted a collab. He said okay, but it was down to me to find that artiste. I hit Problem Child and he said yes, but I had to write the song. It took me about 4 attempts before I got it right and he then added his flare, and Identity was born.

Mashup Kingdom became Antigua’s official Carnival song — what was that experience like?

That was a song I wrote at home, just being in a mischievous mood. DJ Shaker sent me the beat and in less than 2 hours I sent him a full demo. Let’s just say, he got active instantly and his ideas of collaboration started. Mr Benji was added at the end.

What was your goal for your single Identity and its message of self-expression?

Identity speaks of Soca being a safe space. We don’t care about your preferences, your business, etc, when you are in a soca fete. It’s a message to let the entire dispora know you are welcomed to express yourself how you want.

Which collaboration pushed you musically and why?

Pull Di Pin – Machel Montano x Skinny Fabulous x Wuss Ways. I wrote this song in October 2024, when King Bubba contacted me. This has opened so many doors for me as a writer. Many people don’t even know that the entire song is my write apart from Skinny’s verse. Working with Machel has been a dream.

Any dream artists you’d love to work with next?

Patrice, Bunji and definitely Machel again. I am open to collaborations that make sense. I have learnt that not all collabs are wise. You tend to push harder that the others and the songs can fail as a result.

How would you explain soca’s place in Caribbean culture to someone new to the genre?

Soca is the foundation of the Caribbean’s musical identity. This is our Happy Place. Reggae is our social commentary, but soca is our release of mind, body and energy.

What makes soca meaningful to you personally?

It’s a constant endorphin, It has literally pulled me out of depression. When I started I had just been divorced and lost everything for mistakes I made. Soca saved me.

How does your Guyanese heritage influence your music?

Massively. Even writing, I can go back to that place to grab the cultural influences to speak about in the music. Guyana is a happy place and a place of comfort. Soca and Guyana go hand in hand for me

Soca is evolving — what changes do you see happening in the sound and audience?

Soca needs to remain authentic. We are not trying to be accepted as R&B or as POP. We want soca to be soca. There are alot of new names coming through, which is exciting. Soca is here to stay.

How do you hope soca grows on the global stage?

I firstly would like soca to be recognised as an official genre and not world music. Soca can unite borders, as the music is love, its fun, its unity.

What has been your biggest career highlight so far?

Being the first Guyanese soca artiste to ever perform on Ubersoca cruise was something special. Opening for Kes and Voice in London was also amazing.

How did COVID-19 affect your plans and creativity?

Covid allowed me to slow and learn. I didn’t have a clue about recording and the process of making a song. It allowed me to network with djs, producers and other writers, who taught me so much. It was a blessing for me personally.

How do you prep for a live performance?

Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse. I try my best to remain calm and turn up to the venue very early. Prayer before every stage is pivotal.

What’s one goal you hope to achieve in the next year?

This year is my year of Intent. I am hoping to build on the success of 2025 and just to remain consistent and growing. More stages, more music, more collaborations.

How do you keep connected with your fans both online and offline?

This has been a difficult one for me, as I don’t have a big team. I try to be consistent on IG, but I need to work on more true content. I need people to know me more.

What message do you want listeners to take from your music?

Be you, be bold, be free. Express yourself how you want to live.

What projects are you currently working on that fans can look forward to?

I have a collab with King Bubba, another with Luni Spark and I am in talks with another industry giant on another project. This year will be exciting. Loads coming.

Beyond music, what other creative or personal goals do you have?

I am on a journey of helping now. I am working with allot of young Guyanese musicians. I was fortunately to have built relationships globally, so I am trying to get Guyanese music heard and put them in a place they can launch from.

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring artists, what would it be?

Do not doubt yourself, but be a sponge. Research and learn. Drop the ego and the arrogance and be open to the critique from the right people. Remove the yes people and surround yourself with people who are “OBSESSED” with your success. Learn the business of music.

Pahjo’s story is more than a music journey — it’s a testament to resilience, self-belief, and cultural pride. From overcoming personal loss and rebuilding through sound, to representing Guyana on global stages and helping the next generation find their voice, his path reflects what soca truly stands for: freedom, healing, and connection.

As he steps into a new season of intent — with fresh collaborations, deeper storytelling, and a growing global footprint — Pahjo remains clear in his mission: to keep soca authentic, inclusive, and rooted in truth. Whether through a groovy melody or a high-energy fete anthem, his message is unwavering — be bold, be free, and always be yourself.

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