Getting It Back: The Story Of Cymande
by Tim MacKenzie-Smith
The unsung heroes whose message of peace, love and funk reaches beyond the borders of Great Britain
Tim MacKenzie-Smith | UK | 2022 | 89′ | OmeU
London 1971: A group of young musicians and rhythm lovers from the Caribbean islands come together to develop a language of peace and love. Also to escape the racist everyday life of Great Britain of that time. They choose as their symbol (and name) the dove and combine funk, soul, jazz, reggae and African rhythms. The result is songs to kneel down to.
In 1973 they toured the USA as openers for Al Green and took the hearts of the audience by storm. However, nobody in Great Britain was interested in them. That’s why the band broke up after their return and it became quiet around them for a long time. Their music lived on, through new generations and new techniques of music production. From De La Soul (Bra), to MC Solaar (The Message), to The Fugees (Dove), the Dove spread their message worldwide and moved the band to return after forty years.
