The band evolved from Pranasonic Express, which was formed in 1984 in Port of Spain. The original line-up was (then 9-year-old) Machel Montano (vocals), Joseph Rivers (guitar), Vincent Rivers (bass guitar), Derwin Vallie (keyboards), Sterling Paul (trombone), Oral Rodriguez (saxophone), Marlon Roach (trumpet), Rodney Daniel (trumpet), Gregory Pegus (drums), and Darryl Henry (percussion). The group became Xtatik in 1989.
The band's history began with Pranasonic Express, which was established in 1984 in Port of Spain. At the time, Machel Montano (vocals) was just 9 years old, and the initial lineup included Joseph Rivers (guitar), Vincent Rivers (bass guitar), Derwin Vallie (keyboards), Sterling Paul (trombone), Oral Rodriguez (saxophone), Marlon Roach (trumpet), Rodney Daniel (trumpet), Gregory Pegus (drums), and Darryl Henry (percussion). The group underwent a name change to Xtatik in 1989.