July 10th: Today's Feature

July

Brinsley Forde & Aswad

Brinsley Forde MBE, born on October 16, 1953, is a highly accomplished British artist with Guyanese roots. He has made a significant impact in both the music and acting industries. As the founder member of the renowned reggae band Aswad, Forde has played a pivotal role in shaping the reggae genre and has garnered immense recognition for his musical contributions. Additionally, he showcased his talent at a young age as a child actor in the popular children's television series, Here Come the Double Deckers! (1970–71). With his remarkable achievements and undeniable talent, Forde has become an influential figure in the entertainment world.

Early Years

Brinsley is said to be the first black child star on British TV, playing the role of Spring in the Twentieth Century Fox series, Here Come the Double Deckers. His TV credits also include roles in LWT’s Please Sir (Herman) and HTV’s The Georgian House.

Brinsley boasts an impressive filmography, with notable credits in various films such as Goodbye Charlie Brite, Leo The Lost, Diamonds are Forever, and the cult British film Babylon. In Babylon, Brinsley shines in the lead role of Blue, earning praise from critics like Time Out for his excellent performance.

Aswad

Aswad, formed in 1974 in West London, featured Brinsley as the frontman alongside other talented musicians like Angus Gaye, George Oban, Courtney Hemmings, and Donald Griffiths.

It was a fortuitous encounter with the iconic Peter Tosh that sparked the formation of Aswad for Brinsley. While working at a greengrocers, he spotted Tosh strolling down the street in Neasden, and couldn't believe his eyes. Brinsley mustered the courage to approach Tosh and exclaimed, "You're Peter Tosh!" This chance meeting led Brinsley to share the news with his late friend Delroy Washington, who then introduced him to the rest of the reggae legends - Bob, Bunny, Family Man Carley, and Wire. As they were waiting for their work permits, Brinsley brought his Marshall amp and guitars to their rehearsal space-less house, where they would jam together. This experience proved to be a valuable source of inspiration for Brinsley, ultimately leading to the formation of Aswad.

The group's unique blend of rich melodies, compelling harmonies, and hard rhythm tracks quickly gained recognition among reggae fans.

With hits like Back To Africa topping the UK Reggae Charts in 1976, Aswad's success was undeniable. Their music, characterised by inspired horn riffs and powerful vocals, continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, solidifying Brinsley and the band's legacy in the music industry. Aswad earned international acclaim with their reggae version of Don’t Turn Around, a song previously covered by both Luther Ingram and Tina Turner. Don’t Turn Around, released on Island in 1988, went to number 1 on the UK National charts and was the most-played record on French radio.

In 1994 the band were nominated for a second Grammy for Best Reggae Album of the Year for Rise & Shine which spent four weeks at the number 1 slot on the CMJ New World chart and got a Top 10 slot on the Billboard reggae chart. The album was also a major hit in the UK and Japan, where it produced a number 1 single Shine, boosting worldwide sales to more than 600 000.

Love Fire, Aswad’s popular anthem released in 1981 and Warrior Charge has become part of the reggae canon and both are still covered today by many Jamaican record producers. The group’s 1983 Island release Live and Direct is considered one of the quintessential live reggae albums.

Over the years Aswad have joined forces with a variety of artists including Dennis Brown, Maxi Priest, Jackson Browne, Yazz, Hugh Masakela, Steely & Cleevie, Shabba Ranks and Sly & Robbie’s Taxi Gang.

They are the only British group to have recorded and/or performed in concert with top Jamaican artists Burning Spear, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh , Bunny Wailer, Dawn Penn etc.

Aswad has toured extensively, playing to packed houses ranging from London’s Royal Albert Hall, Montego Bay’s Reggae Sunsplash to venues in Africa, Israel and Japan.  They have also headlined numerous international events Rock in Rio festival and Nelson Mandela’s 70th Birthday concert celebration including help a London child attended by Princess Diana.

In the year 2000, Aswad was honoured with the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Black Music award at the fifth Mobo Awards. This recognition highlighted their significant impact on the music industry and their lasting influence on black music.

TV, Radio and Community

Brinsley Forde's on-screen charisma has allowed him to establish himself as a prominent music presenter. As VJ/VH-1's Soul Vibrations, he curated and scripted his own shows, introducing a wide range of R&B, Hip Hop, and early Reggae videos to television audiences for the first time.

Forde's television career also included hosting the BBC show Ebony and its follow-up series Ebony on the Road, where he and his co-presenters reported from various locations. Additionally, he co-hosted Soul on Soul with David Grant, a pioneering digital TV show. In 2002, Brinsley played a key role in launching BBC's 6 Music, the first national music radio station introduced by the BBC in over three decades.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the arts, Forde was honoured with the prestigious title of Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) during the 2015 New Year Honours. This distinguished appointment serves as a testament to Forde's dedication and impact within the arts community, highlighting his significant achievements and commitment to his craft.

Brinsley believes that music has the ability to unite people of all backgrounds and beliefs, and his aim is to provide the audience with an unforgettable experience of great music. Forde, currently residing in Poland, understands the unifying power of music, reflects on the significance of reggae as a voice of rebellion for those who have been deprived and suppressed.

Brinsley, has spoken of his experience as the MC of a 1989 concert in Gdansk, where reggae artists were invited to perform following the establishment of a non-communist government. He believes that in times of hardship, people naturally turn to music as a means of expression and unity.

Vision & Mission

His mission is to provide an opportunity for people to come together and enjoy themselves through the universal language of great music. Celebrating life and giving back is seemingly part of his DNA; he was recognised for his efforts in assisting Afro-Caribbean students to safely make the cross-over to Poland during the Ukraine invasion, then treated 24 students to a taste of home at his Boomshakalaka restaurant.

Now, he aims to extend his support to children globally by establishing the Helping Hands International Foundation in Africa, collaborating with local musicians and children.

With a vision to unite efforts and make a positive impact, the project aspires to reach various parts of Africa and beyond.

The passing of Angus 'Drummie Zeb' Gaye from Aswad was wthout doubt a heartbreaking loss. Brinsley expressed the deep connection they shared through a lifetime of touring and creating music, making it difficult to accept that they will never again experience the thrill of performing together on stage. Despite the electrifying reggae rhythms that Aswad brought to their audiences, their journey was not without challenges.

Legacy

They had to dedicate countless hours to perfecting their craft and handle the responsibilities of being their own roadies due to limited financial resources. Additionally, they faced racism, with TV executives initially hesitant to feature Black Rastafarians on screen, fearing a lack of audience connection. However, Aswad's success on the charts spoke volumes, and as young fathers, they were able to connect with children's TV shows that showcased exceptional musical talent.

Did the band realise they were trailblazers for the Black community? Brinsley believes that their lyrics, which often reflected their personal experiences, carried a certain responsibility to accurately convey their journey. The music of Aswad along with Brinsley Forde's pioneering spirit is a true reflection of talent and hard work, showcasing invaluable contributions to the cultural landscape and his unwavering passion for using creativity to connect with hearts, people and community.