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 Progression
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 song "Natural Progression" by Aswad explores the impact of colonization on the African continent and its people. The chorus repeats the phrase "Natural progression" – a reference to the idea that innovation and evolution are inherent in human nature. The first verse highlights the ingenuity of African society and how it was disrupted by the arrival of colonizers who imposed their own government and societal structures. The line "using what Jah gave us, and there was plenty" acknowledges the abundance of resources in Africa but suggests that they were exploited and stolen by the colonial powers.

In the second verse, the lyrics focus on how colonialism also impacted African culture and religion. The line "hold I customs then you call it religion" implies that African customs were suppressed and then rebranded as Christianity by colonial authorities. The line "inventing military weapons to gain supremacy, over I" suggests that the colonizing powers used military might to exert control over the African people.

The final verse touches on the ongoing impact of colonialism, with the lyrics "they want to execute political systems on I and I." This line might be interpreted as a reference to the ongoing struggle for independence and self-determination in many African countries.

Line by Line Meaning

Natural progression
The gradual development and advancement that occurs without interference.

Necessity,
A need or demand that motivates invention and progress.

The mother of I and I inventions
Necessity is the driving force behind invention and progress.

Are using what Jah gave us
We are utilizing what we have been provided with by a higher power.

And there was plenty
There was an abundance of resources and potential for growth.

In mother Africa
The origin of humanity and the birthplace of civilization.

Government society
The systems of control and authority that exist in society.

Colonialise the black nation
The act of exploiting and subjugating black people and their resources for the benefit of colonizers.

Government society
The systems of control and authority that exist in society.

Colonialise the black nation
The act of exploiting and subjugating black people and their resources for the benefit of colonizers.

Left us crying
The devastating impact of colonization and oppression has resulted in pain and suffering for black people.

Natural progression
The gradual development and advancement that occurs without interference.

Now you confuse I early tuition
The systems in place have caused confusion and a lack of clarity in early education.

Hold I customs then you call it Religion
Traditional practices and beliefs have been appropriated and colonized into a structured religion.

Inventing military weapons to gain
The creation of destructive weapons is a tool for achieving power and control.

Supremacy, over I
The intention is to gain control and domination over marginalized groups.

Inventing military weapons to gain
The creation of destructive weapons is a tool for achieving power and control.

Supremacy
The state of being supreme or in control.

Natural progression
The gradual development and advancement that occurs without interference.

They want to execute political systems
Those in power seek to implement political systems to maintain control and authority.

On I and I
These political systems are often oppressive and target marginalized groups, including black people.

Natural progression
The gradual development and advancement that occurs without interference.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANGUS GAYE, BRINSLEY ALLAN FORDE, TONY ROBINSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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