AswadAswad, formed in 1975 in West London’s Ladbroke Grove, is one of Britain’s most influential reggae bands. Taking their name from the Arabic word for “black,” the group was founded by descendants of Caribbean immigrants, including Brinsley Forde and Angus “Drummie Zeb” Gaye.
They made history in 1976 as the first British reggae group to sign with a major label, Island Records. Blending roots reggae with soul, funk, and R&B, Aswad achieved global success. Their biggest hit, a cover of “Don’t Turn Around,” topped the UK charts in 1988, cementing their legacy.