Aswad

Aswad are a British reggae group formed in 1975 in Ladbroke Grove, West London, known for blending roots reggae with strong R&B and soul influences. Made up of UK-born descendants of Caribbean immigrants, the band originally consisted of Brinsley “Chaka B” Forde, Angus “Drummie Zeb” Gaye, Donald “Dee” Griffiths, George “Ras” Oban, and Courtney “Khaki” Hemmings. Early in their career, Aswad gained respect within roots reggae circles, backing Burning Spear on his 1977 Live album and releasing socially conscious music that reflected the experiences of Black British youth. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, the band underwent several lineup changes, eventually stabilising as a trio of Forde, Gaye, and Tony “Gad” Robinson. This period marked a gradual shift toward a more accessible and commercial reggae sound, beginning with New Chapter (1981). Alongside roots and dub projects such as Not Satisfied and Live and Direct, Aswad achieved major mainstream success with the UK number-one hit “Don’t Turn Around” in 1988, followed by popular singles like “Give a Little Love” and “Shine,” which became a European hit in the 1990s. Aswad toured extensively worldwide and earned a reputation for musical versatility, even collaborating with artists outside reggae, including Cliff Richard and Sting. They are also notable for having performed with every former member of The Wailers. After Brinsley Forde left the group in 1996, Aswad continued as a duo until the death of founding member Angus Gaye in 2022. With 21 albums released and three Grammy nominations, Aswad remain one of the most influential and enduring reggae acts to emerge from the UK.