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
Tuffist
Aswad Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
All the pains
We're feeling
Tuff we tuff
Nuff it nuff
All the things
We see
Tuff we tuff
All the pains
We're feeling
Tuff we tuff
Nuff it nuff
And nothing's
Here for free
Nine to five
I can hardly survive
In this existence
I man now got to stay alive
This ya situate
Oh Lord they find it hard
I say
They pay you just enough
On Friday
Getting you back there
On Monday
Tuff we tuff
Nuff it nuff
All the pains
We're feeling
Tuff we tuff
Nuff it nuff
All the things
We see
Tuff we tuff
Nuff it nuff
All the pains
We're feeling
Tuff we tuff
Nuff it nuff
And nothing's
Here for free
Nine to five
I never could survive
In this existence
I man now find redundant times
Standing here
Waiting in the labour queue
It just blows my mind
Cos they don't pay you enough
Then they tell you this,
Then they tell you that again
In this ya situate
Oh Lord how must I survive
In this existence
Every man now got to stay alive
In this ya situate
Oh man they find it hard I say
They pay you just enough
On Friday
Getting you back there
On Monday
Tuff we tuff
Nuff it nuff
All the pains
We're feeling
Tuff we tuff
Nuff it nuff
All the things
We see
Tuff we tuff
Nuff it nuff
All the pains
And misery
Tuff we tuff
Nuff it nuff
All the things
We see
The lyrics of Aswad's "Tuffist" address the struggles of daily life and the hard work that is required to survive in a capitalist society. The repetition of the phrase "nuff it nuff" emphasizes the idea that enough is enough, that the pain and difficulties that come with life are overwhelming, but that the people must persevere and remain tough to carry on.
The first verse addresses the difficulties that come with working a nine-to-five job and finding it difficult to survive on the wages received. The second verse focuses on the unemployment and job-seeking process, expressing frustration at the lack of opportunities and the low wages that come with potential job offers. The chorus repeats the idea that the struggle is tough but they must remain strong.
The words "tuff we tuff" may suggest a Jamaican patois, indicating that the song's theme of suffering and perseverance is relevant not just to the struggle of life in general but also to the specifically Jamaican experience. Overall, the song encourages people to remain resilient and tough despite the hardships they may face.
Line by Line Meaning
Nuff it nuff
Enough is enough
All the pains
All the hardships
We're feeling
That we are experiencing
Tuff we tuff
We are toughening up
All the things
All the circumstances
We see
That we encounter
And nothing's
And nothing is
Here for free
Available for no cost
Nine to five
Working hours
I can hardly survive
It's difficult for me to make ends meet
In this existence
In this world
I man now got to stay alive
I must now survive
This ya situate
This situation
Oh Lord they find it hard
They struggle with it
I say
I mean
They pay you just enough
They compensate you barely
On Friday
At the end of the week
Getting you back there
Returning you back to the job
On Monday
At the start of the week
I never could survive
I could never make ends meet
I man now find redundant times
I now find times of uselessness
Standing here
Waiting here
Waiting in the labour queue
Waiting in line for work
It just blows my mind
It's unbelievable
Cos they don't pay you enough
Because they don't compensate you sufficiently
Then they tell you this,
Then they inform you
Then they tell you that again
Then they repeat the cycle
All the pains
All the hardships
And misery
And suffering
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ANGUS GAY, BIDDY FORD, DENNIS BIDDY, TONY ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mohamed A. Turay
on Old Fire Stick
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