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Aswad
On Tour35,977 listeners (210,816 plays)
reggae, dub, roots reggae, ska, british
Aswad (“Black” in Arabic) are a long lasting British reggae group, that is noted for adding strong R&B and soul influences to the reggae sound. They have been performing since the early 1970s, having released a total of 21 albums.
History
As naturalised children of immigrants from the Caribbean, part of the aftermath of World War II, the “kids” were moved to London. They attended a local high school near Ladbroke Grove, and various junior schools as Tan Tan children of immigrants from the Caribbean based in West London in 1975.
The original members of Aswad were Brinsley Forde, George Oban, Drummie Zeb and Donald Griffiths. Courtney Hemmings was a frequent contributor in the 1970s, including as part of the backing band on Burning Spear’s 1979 Live album, recorded at the Rainbow Theatre in London.
They became one the UK’s top reggae bands with songs, typical of the time, about the oppression of black youth, such as “Three Babylon” and “It’s Not Our Wish”, and the powerful jazz-influenced instrumental “Warrior Charge” (full versions of these available on the Showcase album).
Aswad gained a wider audience with the New Chapter album (1981). “Fire”, the opening track gained wide recognition when it was used as the backing rhythm for Dennis Brown’s “Promised Land”.
Among Aswad’s catalogue of hits is the classic “Don’t Turn Around”, a pop hit in 1988. This track was originally a B-side to Tina Turner’s hit “Typical Male”, which was later covered by Ace of Base; and a reggae flavoured rendition of “Best of My Love”, first popularised and written by The Eagles.
History
As naturalised children of immigrants from the Caribbean, part of the aftermath of World War II, the “kids” were moved to London. They attended a local high school near Ladbroke Grove, and various junior schools as Tan Tan children of immigrants from the Caribbean based in West London in 1975.
The original members of Aswad were Brinsley Forde, George Oban, Drummie Zeb and Donald Griffiths. Courtney Hemmings was a frequent contributor in the 1970s, including as part of the backing band on Burning Spear’s 1979 Live album, recorded at the Rainbow Theatre in London.
They became one the UK’s top reggae bands with songs, typical of the time, about the oppression of black youth, such as “Three Babylon” and “It’s Not Our Wish”, and the powerful jazz-influenced instrumental “Warrior Charge” (full versions of these available on the Showcase album).
Aswad gained a wider audience with the New Chapter album (1981). “Fire”, the opening track gained wide recognition when it was used as the backing rhythm for Dennis Brown’s “Promised Land”.
Among Aswad’s catalogue of hits is the classic “Don’t Turn Around”, a pop hit in 1988. This track was originally a B-side to Tina Turner’s hit “Typical Male”, which was later covered by Ace of Base; and a reggae flavoured rendition of “Best of My Love”, first popularised and written by The Eagles.
Similar Artists
Dennis Brown, Black Uhuru, Sugar Minott, Culture, Ken Boothe, Don Carlos, Horace Andy… see all
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Top Tracks
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Don't Turn Around
full track
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Back To Africa
full track
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Dub Fire
full track
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Natural Progression
full track
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Warrior Charge
full track
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Roxanne
full track
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Give a Little Love
full track
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Can't Stand The Pressure
full track
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I A Rebel Soul
full track
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African Children
full track
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Red Up
full track
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Top Albums
Shoutbox
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besto76 wrote:
rastaman
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GucioChe wrote:
Cd "Aswad" is the one of the best reggae cd's ever !
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runabeat wrote:
The Mighty Sparrow will be appearing at The Troxy, 490 Commercial Road, London, E1 0HX, England on 19th July 2008 at 8pm. The show is called 'Soca Invasion' and other artistes include the Jamesy P and Shurwayne Winchester. More artistes to be confirmed. Tickets on sale 3rd June 2008. Call 08707 602603 or visit stellatickets.co.uk.
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Lurholm wrote:
bobbiflekman: my sentiments exactly. I suggest we write a little message to the last.fm staff and have them change it.
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kasa408 wrote:
Just a Little Herb!
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bobbiflekman wrote:
*looks at album covers* Erm, since when was Laura Nyro in Aswad??
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subaru_myuji wrote:
I'm liking Heartbeat
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annyR wrote:
Love their cover of dont turn around - now for MORE :)
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zanelamour wrote:
Shy Guy <3
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UncleGropey wrote:
Ass Wad, stop ripping off good groups like Ace of Base
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Vintage633 wrote:
reggae apart from bob marley does not have enough plays on this bad tasted site.
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Lurholm wrote:
what's up with those album covers?
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somnambulance wrote:
new chapter of dub ftw
Listeners
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Events
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Jul
19
Fiesta Reggae Sun
port de beauregard, villefranche sur saône, France
Add shout
| 1 attendee -
Aug
22
Reggae Dub Festival
OWW Sudety, Bielawa, Warsaw, Poland
25 shouts
| 108 attendees
Recent Activity
- Ras_K tagged Aswad with ‘aswad’. yesterday morning
- Carotte84 tagged Aswad with ‘reggae’. Monday morning
- Mamayalis86 added Aswad to the lineup of Fiesta Reggae Sun at port de beauregard. 8 days ago
- Rhobodub connected Aswad to the group Audiovirus. 13 days ago
- GothicBowie added Aswad to the lineup of Lokerse feesten at Grote Kaai. last month
- Et007fm tagged Aswad with ‘reggae’. last month
- Ddbones tagged Aswad with ‘dont turn around aswad’. last month
- Hellie24 tagged Aswad with ‘dub’. last month
- Pinketamine tagged Aswad with ‘jam’. May 2008
Groups (8)
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Jah One Love Foundation
123 members
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Roots Reggae Culture
239 members
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Rasta-Ukraine
52 members
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Reggae Sundance
38 members
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Audiovirus
32 members
More Information
- Links
- Band Members
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