25/07/2025
“It was never about who was first or who was best. We were all part of a movement.”
Black Slate started in 1972—right alongside legends like Steel Pulse, Misty in Roots, Reggae Regulars, Cimarrons, Aswad, and so many others. Some bands came before us, like Cymande and Cimarrons. But what people need to understand is…
We weren’t all in the same city—or even the same region. We grew up miles apart.
And yet, we all somehow sounded alike.
Why? Because our foundation was the same.
We were young musicians raised in Britain, shaped by Caribbean parents, rooted in culture, struggle, and soul. We didn’t know we were part of something bigger—but we were.
It wasn’t about competition. We weren’t climbing a ladder.
We were all standing on the same mountain, shouting out music that spoke to our people.
Black Slate toured the world. Played to thousands across Europe. Shared stages with Peter Tosh and Bunny Wailer. Just like Steel Pulse, Aswad, Matumbi, and the rest—we stood for good music and excellence.
But history often forgets.
Too many of us were never given the space to stand together on one stage, at one festival, as one sound.
The UK reggae bands of the ‘70s were a force—unique, unified, and unstoppable.
✊🏾 Big respect to every artist who helped shape the sound of UK roots rock reggae.
We weren’t trying to be first—we were trying to be heard.
