Cymande

British Funk and Soul Group

Cymande is a British funk group that was formed in 1971 in London. The band was composed of musicians from various Caribbean islands, including Jamaica, Guyana, and Saint Vincent. Their music is a blend of funk, soul, reggae, rock, and African rhythms, which they described as "nyah-rock." Cymande is best known for hits such as "Bra" and "The Message," which have been widely sampled by hip-hop artists over the years. The band's self-titled debut album, "Cymande," was released in 1972 and received critical acclaim for its innovative sound and social commentary. They followed up with two more albums in the 1970s: "Second Time Round" and "Promised Heights." Despite their initial success, Cymande disbanded in 1974 but experienced a resurgence of interest in the 1980s and 1990s as their music was rediscovered by new audiences. This led to a reunion in the 2010s, during which they released the album "A Simple Act of Faith" in 2015. Cymande's influence has been felt across multiple genres and generations, cementing their legacy as pioneers of a unique musical fusion.