With the tragic murder of Hugh Mundell, who was shot and killed while sitti… Read Full Bio ↴With the tragic murder of Hugh Mundell, who was shot and killed while sitting in a car with Junior Reid, reggae lost one of its most promising young performers. Mundell's 1978 debut album, Africa Must Be Free By 1983, produced by Augustus Pablo, in Jamaica remains a classic roots reggae recording. Mundell's singing style and soothing voice will lull you into tranquility if you let it.

Mundell, the son of a prominent Jamaican lawyer, was still a teenager when he teamed with influential producer Joe Gibbs to record a still-unreleased single, "'Where Is Natty Dread." His first break came when he was hired as a DJ for Augustus Pablo's Rockers sound system. His debut single, "Africa Must Be Free by 1983", produced by Augustus Pablo, was released in early 1978. Mundell also recorded several 12" singles as Jah Levi.

Mundell continued recording with Pablo. The albums Time & Place and Blackman's Foundation followed shortly after, and then a few tracks for Prince Jammy were gathered together along with some of Lacksley Castell's, put on an album and called Jah Fire.

Beginning in 1979, Mundell took over the production of his own recordings. He released his Mundell album on Greensleeves in 1982. He also produced the debut album, Speak the Truth, by "Little" Junior Reid, on Pablo's label, Rockers.

In 1983 he became involved in an argument and was shot in the neck. Shortly afterwards, his posthumous album Arise was released. A dub version of Africa Must Be Free By 1983 was released in 1989 and then packaged with the original by Greensleeves and RAS, and then Makasound packaged Time & Place and Blackman's Foundation together and released it as The Blessed Youth in 2003.

Going Places
Hugh Mundell Lyrics

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See I like to be going places
To meet upon new faces
See I like to be going places
To meet upon new faces

I go down by the countryside
Where peace and love abide
Far from pollution, I go high

See I like to be going places
To meet upon new faces
I like to be going places
To meet upon new faces

Such a nice lady
And I a congo natty
Sipping up some juice, yo
And a draw of sensi

See I like to be going places
To meet upon new faces
I like to be going places
To meet upon new faces
Oh yeah
Oh yeah

I like to be going places
To meet upon new faces
I like to be going places
To meet upon new faces

Me and mi idrin
Feel so irie
Soaking up some juice
And a good good draw of sensi

I like to be going places
To meet upon new faces
I like to be going places
To meet upon new faces

See I go there
I go there
I go every, every
Everywhere

I like to be going places
To meet upon new faces
I like to be going places
To meet upon new faces

I go there
And go here

Overall Meaning

The song Going Places by Hugh Mundell celebrates the idea of travelling and being open to new experiences and encounters. Mundell expresses his love for meeting new people and exploring different places, particularly those that offer peace and natural beauty, away from the chaos and pollution of urban areas. Mundell portrays himself as a free-spirited and adventurous person, unafraid of taking risks and seeking out new adventures. The lyrics are repetitive and rhythmic, underscoring the idea that life is a journey that is better enjoyed by embracing its unpredictability and diversity.

The lyrics of Going Places reflect the larger theme of reggae music, which often emphasizes the importance of spiritual and physical liberation from oppressive social and political systems. Hugh Mundell's song speaks to the desire for freedom and individuality that many listeners can relate to, particularly those who feel trapped or disillusioned by their circumstances. The song's easygoing, upbeat melody and simple but evocative lyrics make it a timeless classic that continues to inspire listeners around the world.

Line by Line Meaning

See I like to be going places
I enjoy exploring new places

To meet upon new faces
To meet new people

See I like to be going places
Again, I really like traveling

To meet upon new faces
I want to make new connections

I go down by the countryside
I travel to rural areas

Where peace and love abide
To find places full of harmony and love

Far from pollution, I go high
Leaving the polluted and busy city life behind and find refuge in nature

Such a nice lady
I met a friendly woman

And I a congo natty
I am a Rastafarian, living the natural way of life

Sipping up some juice, yo
Drinking some refreshing juice

And a draw of sensi
Also enjoying a joint of marijuana