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.
Jah Pickney
Steel Pulse Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Jah Jah
Jah Pickney show them
Jah Pickney know them
Jah Pickney point them right now
Jah Pickney let me wipe them out
Rock against Racism, smash it
Rock against Nazism, me say smash it I've
I've come to the conclusion that
We're gonna hunt yeh yeh yeh
The National Front - Yes we are,
We're sonna kunt, yeh yeh yeh
The National Front
Cause they believe in apartheid
For that we gonna whop their hides
For all my people they cheated and lied
I won't rest till I'm satisfied
The National Front,
Said we gonna hunt the National Front
Want you to know
We got lots to show right yak oh
If ites is black, red, green or gold oh
It's just a gift From Jah Jah ah
So ites is black, ites ites proud to say
National,....... Dread must stop
I suffer not from inferiority
Or poverty stricken complex
I know 'cause it's black man time
There's no chip on my shoulder no
It's aII talk that,
Get I vex yes sah
When I catch up on them wicked wretch
Got to get rough, and I've
Got to get tough, and I've
Had enough of that kind a stuff and from
ltes is black and ites
Dread a top Rasta, Original
Jah Pickney know them
Jah Pickney point them right now
Jah Pickney let me wipe them out
Rock against Racism, smash it
Rock against Facism, smash it
Rock against Nazism, smask it
It was a tough decision
I've found it!
(3) I've come to a conclusion
That is.
Rock against Racism,
Scat.........
Me say all and all
In Steel Pulse's song Jah Pickney, the singer calls on Jah Pickney, a nickname for the Rastafarian god Jah, to show the way and lead them in the fight against racism and oppression. The song advocates for the destruction of the National Front, a far-right British political party, and denounces their belief in apartheid. The lyrics also express a sense of pride in black heritage, rejecting any notion of inferiority or poverty.
The line "Rock against Racism, smash it" refers to the cultural movement of the same name, which aimed to combat racism through music. The singer calls for solidarity in the fight against fascism and Nazism, using music as a tool to unite people against these oppressive ideologies. The repeated refrain of "Jah Pickney know them, Jah Pickney point them right now, Jah Pickney let me wipe them out" speaks to the singer's urgency and determination to rid the world of these hateful beliefs.
Line by Line Meaning
All and all, all and scat...
Ignoring any and all forms of discrimination or prejudice.
Jah Jah
Acknowledging and praising the power of Jah.
Jah Pickney show them
Jah's chosen child will reveal the truth to those who are ignorant.
Jah Pickney know them
Jah's chosen child is aware of those who are misguided.
Jah Pickney point them right now
Jah's chosen child will direct the misguided towards the right path.
Jah Pickney let me wipe them out
Jah's chosen child is requesting to have power to eliminate the misguided.
Rock against Racism, smash it
Condemning and opposing racism.
Rock against Fascism, smash it
Condemning and opposing fascism.
Rock against Nazism, me say smash it I've
Condemning and opposing Nazism.
I've come to the conclusion that
The artist has reached a decision.
We're gonna hunt yeh yeh yeh
The singer is determined to seek out and stop the National Front.
The National Front - Yes we are,
Confirming that the hunt is for the National Front.
We're sonna kunt, yeh yeh yeh
Confirming the intent to hunt and stop the National Front.
Cause they believe in apartheid
The National Front supports apartheid.
For that we gonna whop their hides
The National Front will be punished for their beliefs and actions.
For all my people they cheated and lied
The National Front has caused harm and deceit towards the artist's people.
I won't rest till I'm satisfied
The artist is determined to seek justice and will not rest until it is achieved.
Want you to know
The singer wants to share a message.
We got lots to show right yak oh
There is much to tell and reveal.
If ites is black, red, green or gold oh
Regardless of skin color, all have been blessed by Jah.
It's just a gift From Jah Jah ah
Everything is a blessing from Jah.
So ites is black, ites ites proud to say
Pride in black identity and heritage.
National,....... Dread must stop
Opposition to the harmful National Front and other prejudiced beliefs.
I suffer not from inferiority
The artist is not lesser or inadequate.
Or poverty stricken complex
The singer does not have a poverty mentality.
I know 'cause it's black man time
The singer recognizes the significance of black empowerment.
There's no chip on my shoulder no
The singer harbors no grudges or grievances.
It's aII talk that,
Dismissing baseless talk.
Get I vex yes sah
Getting angry at false or harmful words.
When I catch up on them wicked wretch
Those harmful or malicious will be held accountable.
Got to get rough, and I've
Taking a firm stance to seek justice.
Got to get tough, and I've
Putting in effort and strength to seek justice.
Had enough of that kind a stuff and from
Tired of harmful or negative actions.
Ites is black and ites
Pride in black identity and heritage.
Dread a top Rasta, Original
Affirming the importance of Rastafarianism and black identity.
Contributed by Dylan N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@lookitsapanther
I'm an extreme hip-hop head, but I have to agree with you 100%. This one and True Democracy are my two personal favourites from the mighty Pulse. One of a kind band, and one of the best ever over all genres. Those that know, well, they just know.
@lawrencenjawe1935
Steel Pulse has some of the finest intros in the reggae kingdom!
@razakza
Absolutely off the charts!!! Their intros always mesmerised me.
@redbluffhill1
Indeed..glad you noticed
@lawrencenjawe1935
@@redbluffhill1 Yep, mate!!!! After covering virtually all the bases in 70s and 80s Reggae, safe to say I'd be deaf not to... Bless Up!!.....
@sonysam7
So experimental
@thehumbleone6606
Steel Pulse have some of the most beautiful harmonies in reggaedom !
@kolmekiloopaskaasunhousuis3468
thats right.. we dont want r.a.r or r a.f we just want to live in peace !
@Kemitlove
Original Steel Pulse at there best; roots rockin and hard Rasta Lyrics. A lot of man bust with dread after hearing this song. Peace and Blessings from North Carolina!!! Keep writng good music Brother Hinds.! Love
@konnectoneforexsignals7844
This took me back..almost in tears . I haven't heard this in 20 years.