Jason Panton is a multi-talented creator, entrepreneur, brand developer, DJ, Grammy Nominated A&R and Restaurateur.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Jason has leveraged his dynamic understanding of culture and weaved it into unique brands, spaces, and collaborations that have made him a name worthy of mention within contemporary culture of Jamaica and spaces within the African Diaspora.
Art
After a stint of painting & curating exhibits in Miami & Ft. Lauderdale with residencies at Edna Manley Art College in Jamaica via Diaspora Vibe Gallery, Jason created a niche start up called I&I Supply Co. Fusing reggae music & cultural themes with imagery influenced by Jamaican culture, The brand developed a cult following which lead to a series of design opportunities. He has worked with companies such as Def Jam Records, VP Records, Tuff Gong International, We Are Massiv, & Puma's 2012 Olympic collection with Cedella Marley.
Culture
Jason entered the retail space with good friend and artist Cezar Cunningham to create Jamaica's first street wear boutique called Base Kingston. The store carried contemporary street wear accounts such as RockSmith, Kilo Goods, LRG & More. Thru collaboration's with musical artists he produces an emerging musical artist showcase called "Live from Kingston", which has given stage to some of Jamaica's most influential emerging talent such as Protoje, Chronixx, Jesse Royal, Patrice, Kabaka Pyramid and more. He also co-created a global reggae event called Dubwise Jamaica that takes place weekly in Miami, and monthly in various cities across North America, Canada, Africa and the Caribbean.
Brand Work
Jason has a demonstrated understanding of social media, community management and digital marketing that has produced results, growth and engagement for over eight years. He has served as Marketing Manager for the Marley Beverage Company, Social Media Manager with Marley Coffee, and has created content & event-marketing programs based around music in collaboration with House of Marley, Red Bull, Guinness, and Red Stripe. He has worked as an A&R with Ky-Mani Marley, and emerging artists in the reggae music space. Most recently, Reggae Artist Jesse Royal’s album ‘Royal’ was Grammy nominated for ‘Best Reggae Album’ to which Jason served as A&R and has writing and production credits.
Dubwise Cafe
In March 2022, Panton and The Dubwise Group opened a Plant based Cafe & Event space in Kingston, Jamaica called The Dubwise Cafe. The Dubwise Cafe combines food, music and atmosphere to create an experience to taste and touch the reggae movement. It is in the heart of Kingston and has plans of expanding the operation within the Island and abroad as a space for the food, music and culture to connect.
Jason holds a Master of Science in Interdisciplinary Arts & Arts Management from Nova Southeastern University, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Central Florida and a Web Designer Certificate from the University of Miami.
EDUCATION //
B.A. Fine Arts & Education
M.S. Interdisciplinary Arts // Arts Management //
PRESS //
http://massappeal.com/premiere-raging-fyah-milk-honey-music-video/
http://www.largeup.com/2012/12/21/live-from-kingston/
http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/jun/24/clarks-originals-vybz-kartel-reggae
http://www.largeup.com/2010/04/19/visual-culture-base-kingston/
http://www.thefader.com/2010/11/15/jamaican-menswear-mecca-base-kingston-debuts-a-section-for-the-ladies
http://jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20101120/ent/ent2.html
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/My-Kgn-Feb-21
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/lifestyle/Base-Kingston-Feb-21
http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/NoMaddz-for-Live-From-Kingston_18064830