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.
Endangered Species
Steel Pulse Lyrics
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A slack we slack, no time fe dat, oh wee
Destruction of the black civilization
Let me tell you this
Cause every time I raise my weary hand
I see desolation and I feel despair
Watching my nation going down the drain
Still in the streets looking for justice
Losing our life a very heavy price to pay
Lift up your voice and shout for equal rights
They're killing us out, oh yes from day to day
Don't touch the coke nor the crack
That de kind a drug just a keep you back
Watch de gang and de gun
That dey kind a life just a keep we down
Go to school and learn the rule
Let me tell you something, education rule
Got to earn self respect
A good things a come through blood and sweat
Cannot all born fi live a prison
To live by the gun is only suicide
So when wise men speak you better listen
Never too late to take some sound advice
The nation's strength is in the family now
A house that's divided, no can never stand
Brothers take up responsibility
Lead all your children with your precious hand
Destruction of the black civilization
Endangered species don't you know
Destruction of the black civilization
Sho way wa ba da yeah
Don't touch the coke not the crack
That de kind a drug just a keep you back
Watch de gang and de gun
That kind a life just a keep you down
Go to school and learn the rule
Let me tell you something education rule
Got to earn self respect
A good things a come through blood and sweat
Destruction of the black civilization
The lyrics of Steel Pulse's song "Endangered Species" warn against the destructive forces that threaten the Black civilization. The singers address the problems of drug abuse, gang violence, and lack of education and self-respect, which they argue keep the Black community down. The song urges listeners to reject drugs and guns and to invest in education and family, which can only be achieved through hard work and sacrifice. The destruction of Black civilization is presented as a real and present danger, one that requires immediate attention and action.
The lyrics of "Endangered Species" are both political and personal, reflecting the challenges faced by Black people in a world that often devalues them. The song speaks to the struggles endured by Black people in many parts of the world, but it also offers a message of hope and resilience. The recurring theme of self-respect and self-reliance underscores the idea that the solution to the problems facing the Black community can only come from within. By coming together to support one another and by investing in themselves and their families, the Black community can overcome the threat of self-destruction.
Line by Line Meaning
A slack we slack, it's keeping us back
We are being held back by our own inactivity and complacency.
A slack we slack, no time fe dat, oh wee
We need to stop being inactive and making excuses, and start taking action to improve our situation.
Destruction of the black civilization
The decline and destruction of Black society and culture is happening.
Let me tell you this
Listen to what I have to say.
Cause every time I raise my weary hand
Whenever I look at the state of things, I feel exhausted and hopeless.
I see desolation and I feel despair
I see destruction and sadness all around me.
Watching my nation going down the drain
I am witnessing the decline of my community.
Going around as if they just don't care
People seem apathetic and indifferent to the problems facing the community.
Still in the streets looking for justice
We are still fighting for justice and equality in the streets.
Losing our life a very heavy price to pay
People are losing their lives in the fight for justice, and it is a heavy price to pay.
Lift up your voice and shout for equal rights
We need to speak out and demand equal rights for all people.
They're killing us out, oh yes from day to day
We are being killed and oppressed every day.
Don't touch the coke nor the crack
Don't use drugs that will harm and inhibit you.
That de kind a drug just a keep you back
Those drugs will only hold you back and prevent you from achieving your goals.
Watch de gang and de gun
Beware of the dangerous lifestyle associated with gangs and guns.
That dey kind a life just a keep we down
That kind of lifestyle will only keep us down and perpetuate the cycle of violence and poverty.
Go to school and learn the rule
Get an education and follow the rules for success.
Let me tell you something, education rule
Education is key to success and progress.
Got to earn self respect
We need to work hard and earn respect for ourselves.
A good things a come through blood and sweat
Success and progress require hard work and sacrifice.
Cannot all born fi live a prison
We were not born to spend our lives in prison or poverty.
To live by the gun is only suicide
Living a violent and dangerous lifestyle will only lead to destruction and death.
So when wise men speak you better listen
We should listen to the advice of wise and knowledgeable people.
Never too late to take some sound advice
It is never too late to listen to good advice and make positive changes.
The nation's strength is in the family now
Our community's strength and resilience comes from strong and supportive families.
A house that's divided, no can never stand
A community that is divided and fragmented cannot thrive or succeed.
Brothers take up responsibility
Men need to take responsibility for their families and communities.
Lead all your children with your precious hand
Fathers need to be actively involved in raising and guiding their children.
Endangered species don't you know
Black people are becoming a threatened and endangered group due to the destruction of our culture and society.
Sho way wa ba da yeah
Unknown
Lyrics © Peermusic Publishing
Written by: DAVID ROBERT HINDS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Cheikh Tidiane NDAO
Right: one of the best. Blessed:)
Cheikh Tidiane NDAO
Give thanks big times. We are one. Blessed Love:)
Roger Isseux
big up steel pulse is the best band
N.A R.G
Nice quality big up
Anderson Sa
Love