Reggae music has had an enormous effect on musicians worldwide; one such band that stands out is England-based UB40.
Frederick “Toots” Hibbert first formed his group in 1962 and is widely acknowledged to have given birth to reggae music with their 1968 song ‘Do the Reggay’ – widely considered the song that gave birth to this genre.
The Abyssinians
The Abyssinians are a Jamaican roots reggae group best known for their close harmonies and support of Rastafari religion through lyrics. Additionally, their music incorporates jazz and dub influences. Established in 1968 by brothers Donald and Linford Manning and singer-guitarist Bernard Collins; with “Satta Massa Gana,” an Ethiopian Amharic hymn released as their 1969 single made them internationally popular; with its deeply devotional message of faraway Africa combined with melancholy melody it struck a chord and became one of reggae’s best loved songs!
1971’s “Declaration of Rights,” was also emotive and heartfelt in its call for revolution, though recording sessions that yielded these songs marked the last time Abyssinians recorded together as a group; even with such popular hit singles as these being released by them later, their recording career ultimately came to an end due to internal disputes and their own lack of commercial appeal.
At one point in their turbulent musical careers, The Abyssinians made an unforgettable performance at Montego Bay’s 1979 Reggae Sunsplash festival. Following that show was an brief reunion that only lasted briefly; eventually the group disbanded shortly thereafter. Collins revived them again later in 1988 on his Clinch label for one single release before creating Forward album two years later which contained some rare gems but wasn’t essential listening for everyone.
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Black Uhuru
Black Uhuru (Swahili for freedom) is one of the world’s premier reggae bands, having been active for more than fifty years and recording dozens of albums–including one nominated for a Grammy–during that time. Their music has had an enormous influence on modern artists such as Ziggy Marley and Beenie Man; on stage too they’re an incredible force; having performed alongside The Police and Rolling Stones among many other acts.
Black Uhuru can be traced back to Kingston’s Waterhouse district – then known as Firehouse – during the early 1960s. They formed as Black Sounds Uhuru in 1972 with Derrick “Duckie” Simpson, Don Carlos and Rudolph “Garth” Dennis as members; when their initial recordings failed, they changed into Black Uhuru with drummer Errol “Jay” Wilson joining as well as quivering vocalist Michael Rose joining later on.
After several successful singles, Black Uhuru signed to Island Records and quickly rose to international renown. Producing classic albums like Sinsemilla, Red, and Chill Out they went on tour internationally opening for such notable acts as The Police and The Rolling Stones before winning reggae’s inaugural Grammy Award with their album Anthem in 1984.
Black Uhuru has continually evolved with the times, yet their core sound remains the same. Their songs feature hypnotic drum beats, bass lines and bright brass hits to form their unique blend of rocksteady/roots reggae music that remains highly energetic and infectious.
As the World Turns is an eclectic blend of new and old material from Uhuru that features both their trademark 1980s sound – heavy drum & bass, sharp keys, loud guitar riffs and long instrumentals with their signature “wow-oh-oh” echo effect – as well as two music videos featuring Duckie singing lead for the first time in 15 years! Additionally, two music videos feature Duckie singing lead for both tracks on this album.
Bees and Rose pursued solo careers during the 2000s; however, in 2012 Black Uhuru reformed with an updated lineup and released new material.
Peter Tosh
Peter Tosh was an internationally acclaimed reggae artist and activist who championed black people worldwide. Additionally, he advocated for marijuana legalization as an antidote to oppression. Unfortunately, Tosh was murdered at 42 and no longer shares his music and message with us, but his music continues to inspire many even today.
Winston Hubert McIntosh was born on October 19, 1944 in Grange Hill, Westmoreland Jamaica to parents who abandoned him when young; consequently, he was raised by his aunt. Due to this strong religious upbringing and influence from American R&B/doo-wop radio stations broadcast into Jamaica from America he quickly took up singing in church choir and learning guitar and later becoming inspired to create reggae music of his own style.
After leaving Black Uhuru, Tosh began recording solo albums. His first effort, Legalize It, quickly became a hit due to its anti-war and pro-marijuana message. Equal Rights went gold as well; after which Tosh released Bush Doctor with its more upbeat sound. A well-known Rastafarian who advocated for legalization of marijuana as well as against apartheid, oppression and poverty; Tosh’s outspokenness made him an advocate against oppression and poverty as well.
Though Tosh was an accomplished performer, he wasn’t without problems. Police frequently targeted him for his political and social activism; as a result he was often arrested, beaten, and imprisoned multiple times for this activity. Furthermore, Tosh stood firm against Jamaica’s hypocritical political, social, and educational systems and refused to be silenced until his death at 42 in 1987.
Since Tosh’s passing, multiple compilation albums have been released to honor his legacy. Heartbeat’s Scrolls of the Prophet and Trojan Records’ Honorary Citizen feature studio and live recordings and feature hits and favorite tunes from Tosh’s time with The Wailers as well as solo material.
The Wailers
The Wailers were an early ska and reggae band founded in 1963 in Trench Town in Kingston, Jamaica. Led by Bob Marley – now one of the most influential reggae musicians ever – their original lineup comprised three vocalists, guitarists, and bassists, but would later expand further in size under Marley’s leadership. Their legacy continues through music that continues to speak their message across.
The group was heavily influenced by gospel and Rastafari religions prevalent in their home country, which manifested spiritual themes through melodies that uplift and chants that explored political issues like social transformation, revolution, devotion and revolution. Their first two albums on Island Records for release – Catch a Fire and Burnin’ in 1973 to critical acclaim were followed by Live! (1975), Rastaman Vibration (1976), Exodus (1977) and Kaya (1978) before Marley died in 1981; thereafter The Wailers continued recording albums under various line-ups until 1984 when their greatest hits compilation Legend was released as well.
Peter Tosh was an innovative musician and singer known for his silky baritone voice. An outspoken supporter of Rastafarianism, Tosh is best-known for the hit single “Stepping Razor”. As leader of The Wailers band between 1974 and 1981 he left due to disagreements regarding label treatment and ideological differences; later joining another former Wailer Al Anderson to form The Original Wailers Band.
The Wailers combined spiritual themes with influences from rock, blues and soul to create their distinctive sound that was enjoyed by wide audiences. The group inspired many listeners to embrace Rastafari teachings with its music reaching all corners of the globe.
Fans can now purchase tickets to see The Wailers perform at venues across the US. Their concerts are sure to be unforgettable; don’t miss your chance! Tickets are now available through TicketSmarter; upgrade for a VIP package to make your concert experience extra memorable!