A routine visit to his mechanic last year resulted in more than his car being fixed for Toronto-based singer Patcha Blacks. While at the repair shop, he heard a catchy lovers rock rhythm that instantly struck a chord.
That beat, Dennis Brown’s Have You Ever Been in Love was re-cast as Outa Jamaica, produced by James “Tasjay” Smith. Patcha Blacks insisted he voice a song on it and when Smith agreed, he wrote Magnet to Steel.
Released in May as part of Tasjay Productions’ Outa Jamaica Riddim compilation album, Magnet to Steel was a sleeper hit on reggae radio stations in North America. And beyond.
“Dat song get mi recognized by other people outside of Jamaica an’ Toronto. Magnet to Steel has taken my career to another level,” said Patcha Blacks.
He added that because of the song’s appeal, he has received several requests through social media to record ‘specials’ from Italy and The Philippines.
Originally from Westmoreland parish in western Jamaica, Patcha Blacks has lived in Toronto for over 30 years. For most of his career, he performed on sound systems in his native parish and Toronto but six years ago, he launched out as a vocalist/producer with his PB Records label.
In November, he released Put God First, the follow-up to Magnet to Steel, which is also produced by the Tasjay label. Having survived the Coronavirus, Patcha Blacks says the song is timely.
“It’s been a tough year but a blessed year ‘cause I’m still alive.
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