Aswad ("Black" in Arabic) are a long-lasting British reggae group, noted fo… Read Full Bio ↴Aswad ("Black" in Arabic) are a long-lasting British reggae group, noted for adding strong R&B, soul, and soca influences to the reggae sound. They have been performing since the early 1970s, and have released a total of twenty-one albums.

As naturalised children of immigrants from the Caribbean, part of the aftermath of World War II, the children were moved to London. They attended a local high school near Ladbroke Grove, and various junior schools as Tan Tan children of immigrants from the Caribbean around West London in 1975. Vocalist Brinsley Forde had a brief career on television on the British children's television series "Here Come the Double Deckers" in 1970-71.

The original members of Aswad were Brinsley Forde, George Oban, Drummie Zeb, and Donald Griffiths. Courtney Hemmings was a frequent contributor in the 1970s, including as part of the backing band on Burning Spear's 1979 Live album, recorded at the Rainbow Theatre in London.

They became one the U.K.'s top reggae bands with songs, typical of the time, about the oppression of black youth, such as "Three Babylon" and "It's Not Our Wish", and the powerful jazz-influenced instrumental "Warrior Charge".

The band gained a wider audience with the New Chapter album (1981). "Fire", the opening track gained wide recognition when it was used as the backing rhythm for Dennis Brown's "Promised Land."

Among Aswad's catalogue of hits is "Don't Turn Around", a pop hit in 1988. This track was originally a B-side to Tina Turner's hit "Typical Male", which was later covered by Ace of Base; and a reggae flavoured rendition of "Best of My Love", first popularised and written by The Eagles. Their next hit, Shine, was released in 1994. Another track was the upbeat 1998 remake of The Police's "Invisible Sun", performed with Sting.

The band also hold the distinction of having played with each one of the ex-Wailers.

Band members

* Martin Augustine aka "Tatta" - Lead guitar
* Brinsley Forde aka "Dan" (born 16 October 1952, Guyana) - Vocals, Rhythm guitar
* Drummie Zeb aka Angus Gaye (born 1959, London, United Kingdom) - Vocals, Drums
* Donald Griffiths (born 1954, Jamaica)
* Jimmy Haynes aka "Senyah" - Lead guitar, Acoustic guitar
* Clifton Morrison aka "Bigga" - Vocals, Keyboards, Melodica
* George Oban - Left in 1980 - Bass guitar
* Tony Gad - real name Dennis Anthony Robinson, born 11 November 1957, London. Joined in 1980 - Vocals, Bass guitar

Discography

* 1976: Aswad - Mango Records
* 1978: Hulet - Mango Records
* 1981: New Chapter - Columbia Records
* 1981: Showcase - Mango Records
* 1982: A New Chapter of Dub - Mango Records
* 1982: Not Satisfied - Columbia Records
* 1983: Live and Direct - Mango Records
* 1984: Rebel Souls - Mango Records
* 1986: To the Top - Simba
* 1988: Jah Shaka Meets Aswad in Addis Ababa Studio - Jah Shaka
* 1988: Distant Thunder - Mango Records
* 1988: Renaissance - 20 Crucial Tracks - Stylus
* 1989: Aswad: Crucial Tracks
* 1990: Next to You - Alex
* 1990: Too Wicked - Mango Records
* 1993: Firesticks - Alex
* 1994: Rise and Shine - Rhino Entertainment
* 1995: Rise and Shine Again! - Mesa
* 1995: Dub: The Next Frontier - Mesa
* 1997: Big Up - Atlantic Records
* 1999: Roots Revival - Ark 21
* 2002: Cool Summer Reggae

Natural Aggression
Aswad Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

[Chorus]
Natural progression [Repeat: x4]

Necessity,
The mother of I and I inventions
Are using what Jah gave us
And there was plenty
In mother Africa

Government society
Colonialise the black nation
Government society
Colonialise the black nation
Left us crying

[Chorus]

Now you confuse I early tuition
Hold I customs then you call it
Religion
Inventing military weapons to gain
Supremacy, over I
Inventing military weapons to gain
Supremacy

[Chorus]

[Repeat: x4]
They want to execute political systems
On I and I

[Chorus]

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Aswad's song Natural Aggression address the issue of colonization and its negative effects on the black race. The opening lyrics, "natural progression," suggest that the natural course of events has been disrupted by colonization. The lines "Necessity, the mother of I and I inventions, are using what Jah gave us and there was plenty in mother Africa" highlights the fact that prior to colonization, African societies had developed their own inventions and ways of life based on their environment, which were disrupted by the colonizers.

The chorus repeats the phrase "Natural progression" to emphasize that the current state of things is unnatural and forced upon the black race. The lines "Government society, colonialize the black nation, left us crying" express the pain and devastation that colonization has left, including the loss of cultural identity and the oppression of black people.

The second verse discusses how colonization has led to the confusion of black people's early education and the assimilation of their customs into religion. The lines "Inventing military weapons to gain supremacy over I" highlights how the colonizers used their powerful weapons to dominate and oppress the black race.

The final verses express the desire for political systems that do not oppress the black race, with the lines "They want to execute political systems on I and I." Overall, the lyrics of Natural Aggression powerfully convey the impact of colonization on the black race and advocate for a more just and equal world.

Line by Line Meaning

Natural progression
The way things naturally develop over time

Necessity,
The fundamental reason for I and I's inventions

The mother of I and I inventions
The origin and motivation for I and I's creations

Are using what Jah gave us
Utilizing the resources bestowed upon us by Jah (God)

And there was plenty
There were abundant resources available to us

In mother Africa
The resources originated from the continent of Africa

Government society
The governing bodies and social structures in power

Colonialise the black nation
To impose their rule and authority over nations composed mainly of Black individuals

Government society
The governing bodies and social structures in power

Colonialise the black nation
To impose their rule and authority over nations composed mainly of Black individuals

Left us crying
Resulted in grievous harm and suffering for our people