Aswad

Aswad United Kingdom Reggae Roots Funk Jazz Fusion

Aswad is UK reggae band that is a fusion of roots reggae, funk, jazz and soul. Top of the UK Charts with Dont Turn Around, the talent of this British Reggae band cannot be overstated. They have adapted themselves to the reggae music trends over several decades. Aswad is Arabic for black and the band formed in 1975. Originally a quintet, they mixed soul, jazz,and funk with hard roots reggae, lovers rock and dub.. In 1976 they landed a record deal with Island Records. Their first single “Back to Africa” went to the top of the U.K charts. Aswad were hired by Bob Marley, Burning Spear, Dennis Brown and Black Uhuru as a backing musicians when they toured in the U.K. Everywhere in Aswad’s music is fusion and experimentation with the zippy and slightly jungly, and the dreamy, ambient styles.In 2006 they collaborated with the British Techno Duo Rhythm Riders that bring a particular warmth and funkiness, along with an electro edge that nicely complements Aswad’s natural tendency towards slick modern roots reggae.