Ranaco

Just hearing the passion and warmth in the voice of Ranaco, one comes quickly to the conclusion that the world will be grateful for the presence and talent this young upcoming artist has to offer. Born on July 10th, 1984 in the Papine area of St. Andrew to mother, Patricia Rance, and father Andrew Johnson with 3 sisters and four brothers; Ranaco was the one to always get in mischief but got away as he was the youngest sibling. While growing up this talented young singer with astuteness beyond his years started using his voice to woo the girls during lunchtime at Charlie Smith Comprehensive High School. Recognizing that singing was his calling, Ranaco kept on honing his skills by performing on local talent shows while improving his song writing skills. A chance meeting with producer Stephen ‘Gibbo’ Gibbs, son of famous music producer of the 1970’s Joe Gibbs, was the positive step the young singer was hoping for. Gibbo, known for songs like Iwayne’s “Living in love”, Richie Spice- “Ghetto Girl” and Wayne Wonder’s ‘Share my Love” saw a talent in Ranaco. Since that first meeting, Gibbo and Ranaco have been working on numerous songs together building an artist/producer relationship. “Ranaco has a very distinct voice; different from any other artist/deejay I have ever worked with. His melodies are one of a kind. There is always a story to tell in his songs – it’s as if you can’t help but to listen to each word he sings.” says Gibbo. This meeting would eventually turn things around for Ranaco. The collaborative effort saw the commercial release of songs such as “60 queens” (on the Gibbo Records label “Washbelly” rhythm), “King fish” (on the Rocky Gibbs Record label “Must Get a Beaten” rhythm) and “Give it to you” (on the Gibbo Records label “State of Emergency” rhythm). Among Ranaco’s musical influences are Dennis Brown, Peter Tosh and Jacob Miller, just to name a few. “Their use of words and phrasing is what makes me drawn to their compositions and yes the obvious their voices,” said Ranaco. “ Righteousness coulda neva die out, like a sun it have to shine because the people a cry out” is a favorite phrase from a soon to release song entitled “Down in the Ghetto”. This song gives a peak into the hardship Ranaco and many other people from his community face day-to-day. Ranaco sees himself spreading righteousness throughout all of reggae music while being a strong, positive and uplifting ambassador for all reggae music listeners.