Aswad (GB)

About

Also known as: Asward

Aswad have been one of Britain's most enduring reggae acts since forming in Ladbroke Grove, West London in 1975, blending roots reggae with strong R&B and soul flavours that set them apart from their Jamaican contemporaries. Crucially, their early material tackled the lived experience of Black youth growing up in the UK, with tracks like "Three Babylon" and the jazz tinged instrumental "Warrior Charge" still spinning on roots reggae sound systems today. They are three time Grammy nominees and have 21 albums to their name. Their biggest commercial moment came with "Don't Turn Around", a UK number one in 1988, originally a Tina Turner B side. That kicked off a run of chart hits including "Give a Little Love" and a reggae take on the Eagles' "Best of My Love". "Shine" followed in 1994 and travelled well across Europe, and they later recorded "Invisible Sun" with Sting for a Police tribute. The band also backed Burning Spear on a 1977 live album and can claim the rare distinction of having shared a stage with every former member of the Wailers.