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.
African Holocaust
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I and I have survived the past
African Holocaust
Don't you know we were meant to last
Some people say we got to move on
What's in the past has now been long time gone
You think what you've got is your freedom
But all it means is to be FREE and DUMB
Chorus
So much tears so much pain and indignity
It's truly wonderous how we came through slavery
Now we bare the scars some say we'll never heal
Worst injustice to mankind is very real
Chorus
When it comes to the system a we still the victims
Of isms and schisms of ugly racism
The beatings, the lynchings, the shootings, the killings
They say its finger licking Kentucky Fried Chicken
Head on the chopping block
When will it ever stop
Struggle to reach the top
Waiting for us to flop
Chorus
Took our language, stole our gold,
Gave us religion to lose our souls
In this confusion, we will find our way
In this great future, in Jah we praise
Chorus
The lyrics of Steel Pulse's "African Holocaust" speak to the painful history of African people and their resilience in the face of slavery and systemic racism. The first verse emphasizes the fact that African people have survived in the past despite the horrors of the "African Holocaust." However, some people still do not understand the gravity of this history and believe that it's time to move on. The singer challenges this notion, pointing out that the legacy of slavery still exists and that freedom is only an illusion if it means being "free and dumb."
In the chorus, the song speaks to the deep scars that slavery has left on the African community. Despite the tears and pain, the community has emerged from slavery and struggled to move forward. However, systemic racism continues to be a reality, with African people still being victimized by the isms and schisms of ugly racism. The last verse speaks to the continued oppression of African people, with a nod to how their language and gold were stolen and their religion altered. The song ends on an optimistic tone, with the singer declaring that the community will find its way through this confusion and make a great future through praising Jah.
Line by Line Meaning
I and I have survived the past
Despite the horrific events that have taken place, we have not only survived but continue to persevere
Don't you know we were meant to last
Our resilience and strength as a people is undeniable, as we were meant to endure the trials and tribulations that came before us
What's in the past has now been long time gone
Although the past may seem distant, its effects continue to impact our present reality
You think what you've got is your freedom
Many believe themselves to be free when in reality their freedoms are limited and come at a great cost
But all it means is to be FREE and DUMB
True freedom cannot be achieved when our actions and thoughts are controlled and dictated by those in power
So much tears so much pain and indignity
The atrocities faced by our ancestors were undeniably brutal and have had long-lasting effects on our communities
It's truly wonderous how we came through slavery
Despite the horrors of slavery, we were able to survive and continue to exist as a people
Now we bare the scars some say we'll never heal
The trauma of our past continues to affect us, leaving scars that some believe will never fully heal
Worst injustice to mankind is very real
The injustices faced by the African people are among the worst that have ever been inflicted on mankind
When it comes to the system a we still the victims
Despite progress, we are still greatly impacted by systemic issues that perpetuate racism
Of isms and schisms of ugly racism
Racism continues to affect our society, causing division and perpetuating inequality and injustice
The beatings, the lynchings, the shootings, the killings
Acts of violence and brutality have been used to maintain power and control over marginalized communities
They say its finger licking Kentucky Fried Chicken
Society often attempts to deflect from the issue of racism and instead focuses on trivial matters
Head on the chopping block
Our lives and livelihoods continue to be at risk because of systemic racism
When will it ever stop
The fight against racism must continue until true equality and justice are achieved
Struggle to reach the top
We must continue to fight for progress and success in spite of the obstacles we face
Waiting for us to flop
Those in power often hope for our failure and weakness, but we must continue to persevere
Took our language, stole our gold,
Our cultural heritage and resources have been stolen and exploited for the benefit of others
Gave us religion to lose our souls
Religion has often been used as a tool of control, causing us to lose sight of our own beliefs and values
In this confusion, we will find our way
Despite the confusion and chaos of our past, we will find our path forward as a people
In this great future, in Jah we praise
In the future, we will continue to honor and worship our culture and heritage, paying tribute to those who came before us
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID ROBERT HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Tyler Thompson
One of the greatest songs ever conceived. Love it!
Jahsoni Clark
It’s irie 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥💥
Bruno Moreira Lima
Superb lyrics, engaging rhythm, smooth melody: BINGO! Timeless song!
Lester Adams
We are the "Truth Hebrews" which most people are too blind (to see) because our people have been taught lies to keep them from the truth.....but the Truth shall be revealed in these end times. Deuteronomy 28:68 talks about what this song says .
Lawrence Njawe
Brilliant song. Never thought, before 2004 Steel Pulse was capable of reviving that Irie feeling I had back in the early to mid 80s
DA BUSH
RISE UP YEHUDA TAKE YOUR STANCE. THE ANCESTORS ARE WAITING
daweedian84
No matter how much I like both Steel pulse and this song I will always hear him saying "African horor cars" xD
ecmoraes86
Music for these dark days...
#justiceforgeorgefloyd
#blacklivesmatters
Sonysam
So good song
Anna Wojtowicz
this one bad 2020