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.
Black Enough?
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Shooway ooway shooway
Am I black enuff for ya
Am I black enuff for ya
Am I black enuff for ya
Am I black enuff for ya
We're gonna move on up
One by one
Is done
Am I black enuff, black enuff for ya
Am I black black enuff for ya
We're gonna move on up
Two by two
This whole world is gonna be
Brand new
Am I black black enuff for ya
Am I black black enuff for ya
Get in line start marking the time
You better make up your mind
We're gonna leave you behind (repeat)
We're gonna move on up
Three by three
We're gonna get rid or poverty
I got to stay black black enuff for ya
I got to stay black black enuff for ya
We're gonna move on up
Four by four
We ain't never gonna suffer no more
I got to stay black black enuff for ya
I got to stay black black enuff for ya
Get in line start marking your time
You better make up your mind
We're gonna leave you behind (repeat)
RAP SPEARHEAD
We're gonna move on up
Five by five
Say no to drugs
Keep hope alive
I got to stay black
Black enuff for ya
I got to stay black
Black enuff for ya
We're gonna move on up
Six by six
Rid this earth of polytricks
Wanna stay black
Black enuff for ya
Got to stay black
Black black enuff for ya
Open up your mind
Start marking your time
Get in line,
You better make up your mind
Black enuff for ya
Black enuff for ya
Gotta stay black
Black enuff for ya
Gotta stay black
Black enuff for ya
Don't call my bluff
I'm tough enuff
A scary kind of stuff
In search of freedom
And opportunity
International rescue
Is my philosophy
Am I am I am I Black
Enuff for ya
The lyrics to Steel Pulse's "Black Enough" are a declaration of black identity and empowerment in the face of systemic racism and oppression. The repetition of "Am I black enuff for ya" is a challenge to those who would seek to deny or diminish the black experience, demanding recognition and respect. The song also speaks to the collective struggle of the black community, with the lyrics "We're gonna move on up / One by one / We ain't gonna stop until the work / Is done" highlighting the idea of unity and solidarity in the face of adversity. The song's call for action and progress - "This whole world is gonna be / Brand new" - suggests a desire for change and a rejection of the status quo.
Overall, "Black Enough" is a powerful affirmation of black identity and pride, challenging listeners to examine their own attitudes towards race and identity and to stand in solidarity with the black community.
Line by Line Meaning
Shooway ooway shooway
Informal sounds to set the rhythm and mood of the song
Am I black enuff for ya
Questioning whether society sees the singer as black enough
We're gonna move on up
Expressing a desire to improve their situation
One by one
The idea of progress happening slowly but surely
We ain't gonna stop until the work is done
Commitment to continuing to work towards change until it is achieved
Am I black enuff, black enuff for ya
Repeating the question of whether the singer's blackness is deemed sufficient
Two by two
Continuing the theme of progress happening slowly but surely
This whole world is gonna be brand new
Hopeful vision of the future where positive change has been achieved
Get in line start marking the time
Encouraging others to join their cause and have patience
You better make up your mind
Implying that others need to choose whether or not to join before they get left behind
We're gonna leave you behind
Those who don't join are going to be left in the past
Three by three
Continuing the theme of progress happening slowly but surely
We're gonna get rid or poverty
Describing the goal of their movement, to eliminate poverty
I got to stay black black enuff for ya
The singer feeling pressure to maintain their identity and connection to their culture
Four by four
Continuing the theme of progress happening slowly but surely
We ain't never gonna suffer no more
Hopeful vision of the future where the group no longer experiences suffering and injustice
Rap Spearhead
Introducing a rap verse performed by whoever is referred to as Rap Spearhead
Five by five
Continuing the theme of progress happening slowly but surely
Say no to drugs
Encouraging listeners to make wise choices and avoid harmful behavior
Keep hope alive
Hopeful message to continue hoping for and working towards better circumstances
Six by six
Continuing the theme of progress happening slowly but surely
Rid this earth of polytricks
Expressing a desire to eliminate political dishonesty and corruption from the world
Wanna stay black black enuff for ya
Repeating the pressure to maintain cultural identity despite external influences
Open up your mind
Encouraging listeners to be open to change and new ideas
Black enuff for ya
Repeating the question of whether the singer is seen as black enough
Gotta stay black
Reiterating the importance of maintaining their cultural identity
Don't call my bluff
Warning others not to doubt the sincerity of their movement
I'm tough enuff
Asserting that they have the strength and resolve to see their goals through
A scary kind of stuff
Acknowledging that the changes they are pushing for may be frightening to some people
In search of freedom and opportunity
Describing the motivation behind their movement
International rescue is my philosophy
Comparing their movement to an international rescue, suggesting that it is a global issue
Am I am I am I Black Enuff for ya
Repeating the question of whether society views them as black enough
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: KENNETH GAMBLE, KENNY GAMBLE, LEON HUFF
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
dlemma74
Thanks for the live album...Just saw Steel Pulse live in Providence, RI they rocked the spot with back to back hits! I was there with my friends from Trinidad who said they loved reggae- they had never heard them-only listened to dance hall
Henrique Olivetti
Pedrada do reggae
Kelly Brooks
Great album man, thanks for uploading.
Shiro Aldred
one of my favourit tune of all time
Focus Your Audio
Jammin!!!!!
issarss
my my no comments well then when i used to take an mp3 to class I'd listen to this and sing it quietly even when i had to sit next to the preps and jocks.
Deez Nuts
I wish Obama would have made this his inauguration song :)
The Nameless
vcs tão maluco
Pia Pohatu
black