Steel Pulse originally formed at Handsworth Wood Boys School, Birmingham, and comprised David Hinds (lead vocals, guitar), Basil Gabbidon (lead guitar, vocals) and Ronnie McQueen (bass).
However, it is Hinds who, as songwriter, has always been the engine behind Steel Pulse, from their early days establishing themselves in the Birmingham club scene onwards. Formed in 1975, their debut release, 'Kibudu, Mansetta And Abuku" arrived on the small independent label Dip, and linked the plight of urban black youth with the image of a greater African homeland. They followed it with 'Nyah Love' for Anchor.
Surprisingly, they were initially refused live dates in Caribbean venues in the Midlands because of their Rastafarian beliefs. Aligning themselves closely with the Rock Against Racism 1 organisation, they chose to tour instead with sympathetic elements of the punk movement, including the Stranglers, XTC etc.: "Punks had a way of enjoying themselves - throw hordes at you, beer, spit at you, that kind of thing".
Eventually they found a more natural home in support slots for Burning Spear, which brought them to the attention of Island Records. Their first release for Island was the 'Ku Klux Klan' 45 rpm, a considered tilt at the evils of racism, and one often accompanied by a visual parody of the sect on stage.
By this time their ranks had swelled to include Selwyn 'Bumbo' Brown (keyboards), Steve 'Grizzly' Nesbitt (drums), Fonso Martin (vocals, percussion) and Michael Riley (vocals). Handsworth Revolution was an accomplished long playing debut and one of the major landmarks in the evolution of British reggae.
However, despite critical and moderate commercial success over three albums, the relationship with Island had soured by the advent of Caught You (released in the US as Reggae Fever). They switched to Elektra, and unveiled their most consistent collection of songs since their debut with True Democracy, distinguished by the Garveyeulogising 'Rally Around' cut.
A further definitive set arrived in Earth Crisis. Unfortunately, Elektra chose to take a leaf out of Island's book in trying to coerce Steel Pulse into a more mainstream vein, asking them to emulate the pop-reggae stance of Eddy Grant. Babylon Bandit was consequently weakened, but did contain the anthemic 'Not King james Version', which was a powerful indictment on the omission of black people and history from certain versions of the Bible.
Their next move was id Hinds of Steel Pulse to MCA for State Of Emergency, which retained some of the synthesized dance elements of its predecessor. Though it was a significantly happier compromise, it still paled before any of their earlier albums.
Rastafari Centennial was recorded live at the Elysee Montmarte in Paris, and dedicated to the hundred year anniversary of the birth of Haile Selassie. It was the first recording since the defection of Fonso Martin, leaving the trio of David Hinds, Steve Nisbett and Selwyn Brown.
While they still faced inverted snobbery at the hands of British reggae fans, in America their reputation was growing, becoming the first ever reggae band to appear on the Tonight television show. Their profile was raised further when, in 1992, Hinds challenged the New York Taxi and Limousine Commission in the Supreme High Court, asserting that their cab drivers discriminated against black people in general and Rastas in particular.
Drummer Steve "Grizzly" Nisbett (15 March 1948 – 18 January 2018) died in 2018.
The band are still recording and touring.
Save Black Music
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They tricked us with trinkets and beads
And tricked us right into slavery
Traditional customs
Crafts and arts
They put in their museums
Oh people don't you see the plot...yeh
To take all we've got
CHORUS
Got to save Black music
Fight to save sweet music now
Got to save Black music now
Le the music flow, oh Lord
We've paid that price so many times
Comes to claimin' dues we're the first in line
Freedom songs echoed these plantations
I and I survive
To this present time
Oh people don't you see the plot
To take all we've got
CHORUS
Got to save Black music
Fight to save sweet music now
Got to save Black music now
Music sweet music ha ha ha
It no funny
Through our sprits came
Reggae Jazz Funk and Blues
Music the food of life
So don't just stand there
And let them take your share
They claim that fame
And give you not a care
We walk those streets
Without a dime
Play hid and seek
The pie in the sky
CHORUS
Got to save Black music
Fight to save sweet music now
Got to save Black music now
Here me when I say
Gather round come get strong
Help I sing this freedom song
Save Black music now
Keep it in control now
Never let it go now
Keep it in control now
The lyrics of Steel Pulse's "Save Black Music" song are a reflection of the need to hold on to the Black cultural heritage that was nearly erased during the era of slavery. The band uses the song to remind Black people that their culture is their wealth, and they should strive to preserve it at all costs. The opening lines of the song allude to how the slave traders tricked Africans with trinkets and beads, subsequently leading them into slavery. The forces of colonialism attempted to erase Black cultural traditions by taking away artefacts and placing them in museums, effectively eroding these beliefs and practices. The chorus emphasizes the need to preserve Black music, which has been a staple of African American culture for centuries. The message of the song is that Black music is an essential part of Black culture and that it has to be upheld and celebrated.
The second verse of the song highlights the significant contributions that Black people have made to the world of music. Jazz, Reggae, Funk, and Blues are all music genres that originated from Black people. It emphasizes how music is the food of life, and we must fight to preserve it. The lyrics emphasize the struggles that Black people have gone through to claim their dues and the need to acknowledge and respect their culture and contribution to society. The song concludes with a call to action - people must come together, hold on to their cultural heritage, and ensure its preservation for future generations.
Line by Line Meaning
They tricked us with trinkets and beads
Our ancestors were deceived with insignificant items, such as trinkets and beads, which led to them being forced into slavery.
And tricked us right into slavery
These deceptive tactics led to the enslavement of our people.
Traditional customs
Our cultural practices.
Crafts and arts
The products of our creative expressions.
They put in their museums
They took and displayed our cultural artifacts in their museums, stripping us of our identity and heritage.
Oh people don't you see the plot...yeh
Do you not understand their plan?
To take all we've got
To rob us of our identity and cultural contributions.
Got to save Black music
We must protect and preserve the music of our people.
Fight to save sweet music now
We must take a stand to protect our musical heritage immediately.
Le the music flow, oh Lord
Let the music of our people continue to exist and thrive.
We've paid that price so many times
We have experienced the consequences of injustice and oppression repeatedly.
Comes to claimin' dues we're the first in line
We rightfully deserve recognition and compensation for our contributions and sufferings.
Freedom songs echoed these plantations
Our music, such as freedom songs, emerged from the painful history of plantation life and slavery.
I and I survive
We, the members of the black community, have endured and continue to survive through these struggles.
Music sweet music ha ha ha
Music is not just entertainment or a source of joy, but it is essential to our existence and identity.
It no funny
It is no laughing matter.
Through our sprits came
Our music is a reflection of our souls and spirits.
Reggae Jazz Funk and Blues
The various genres of black music that have emerged throughout history.
Music the food of life
Music is a vital component of our lives and sustenance.
So don't just stand there
Do not remain passive.
And let them take your share
Do not allow others to steal or take credit for what belongs to us.
They claim that fame
Others try to profit off of our culture.
And give you not a care
They do not consider or value the impact on our communities.
We walk those streets
We have struggled and persevered through poverty and hardship.
Without a dime
Without any financial resources.
Play hid and seek
Finding ways to survive despite being marginalized and oppressed.
The pie in the sky
Unrealistic or unattainable aspirations that distract from the struggle for justice and equality.
Here me when I say
Listen to what I am saying.
Gather round come get strong
Come together and unite to find strength against oppression.
Help I sing this freedom song
Assist in spreading our message of liberation and equality through our music.
Keep it in control now
We must protect and preserve our music for future generations.
Never let it go now
We must not allow others to erase our contributions to the world of music.
Keep it in control now
We must continue to defend and promote our music as an expression of our culture and identity.
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID ROBERT HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind