Black Roots

Black Roots are a roots reggae band from the St. Paul's area of Bristol, England, formed in 1979. They toured extensively in the UK and Europe in the 1980s and early 1990s releasing several albums and singles during that time before disappearing from the music scene for about ten years. Their comeback began when Soundicate/Makasound, a record label in France, released an album in 2004 and followed it up with another in 2007 (both were compilations made up from their extensive back catalogue). In December 2010 they performed their first live show for some twenty years at the Trinity Hall in Bristol and since then they have been active once again, playing live dates and releasing a new album.
The original line-up of the band included Errol Brown (vocals), Delroy O'Gilvie (vocals), Kondwani Ngozi (congas, vocals), Jabulani Ngozi (rhythm guitar), Cordell Francis (lead guitar), Trevor Seivwright (drums), and Derrick King (bass guitar). They soon got into routine of regular performances across the UK and appeared on the first Rockers Roadshow television programme broadcast of Channel 4. Their first (self-titled) album was released on their Kick, and the band was commissioned by the BBC to write and record the theme song to the sitcom The Front Line.
(read more on wikipedia)
== Links to Peel ==
The band gained notable following in 1981 after John Peel showcased their debut EP on his show, the revered Radio One DJ famously telling his audience:
"If anyone tells you that there's no such thing as good British reggae, first tell them they’re a Herbert, then show them Black Roots." 
In the years that followed, the band toured the UK and Europe playing clubs, venues, college parties and regular festivals like Glastonbury, touring with the likes of UB40, making TV appearances and releasing several successful albums including Black Roots, The Frontline, In Session and more.
In a December 2019 interview with the 365 Bristol website, Black Roots member, Jabulani, praised Peel amongst others for helping the band:
"Rest in peace John Peel who helped make us. After he showcased us we got tours, doors started opening. Him, Peter Powell and Kid Jensen were the only DJs who played reggae and our music in those days." 
== Sessions ==
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1. Recorded: 1981-05-19. First Broadcast: 27 May 1981. Repeated: 16 June 1981, 22 October 1981
*Confusion / What Them A Do? / Chanting For Freedom / The Father
2. Recorded: 1983-11-07. First Broadcast: 14 November 1983. Repeated: 29 November 1983
*Far Over / Strugglin / Africa / Black Heart Man
== Other Shows Played ==
;thumb|330x330px1981
*29 April 1981: The Father (12" - Bristol Rock) Nubian
*04 May 1981: Tribal War (12" - Bristol Rock) Nubian
*Peel April To July 1981: The Father (12" EP - Bristol Rock) Nubian NR 0001/81
*10 May 1981 (BFBS): The Father (12" - Bristol Rock) Nubian
*11 May 1981: Tribal War (12": Bristol Rock) (Nubian Records)
;thumb|330x330px1982
*17 January 1982 (BFBS): Chanting For Freedom (7") Nubian
*01 February 1982: Chanting For Freedom (7") Nubian
*07 February 1982 (BFBS): Chanting For Freedom (7") Black Roots
;1983
*02 February 1983 (BBC World Service): Move On (7") Silvertown STS 002
*thumb|330x330px30 January 1983 (BFBS): Move On (7") Silvertown STS 002
*15 February 1983: Move On (7") Silvertown STS 002
*11 October 1983: The Father (album - Black Roots) Kick KIC LP02
*15 October 1983 (BFBS): The Father (album - Black Roots) Kick KIC LP02
*15 October 1983 (BFBS): What Them 'A Do (album - Black Roots) Kick KIC LP02
*29 October 1983 (BFBS): The Father (album - Black Roots) Kick KIC LP02
*29 October 1983 (BFBS): Tribal War (album - Black Roots) Kick KIC LP02
*31 October 1983 (BBC World Service): The Father (LP - Black Roots) Kick
*07 November 1983 (BBC World Service): Juvenile Delinquent (album - Black Roots) Kick KIC LP02
*14 November 1983 (BBC World Service): What Them 'A Do (album - Black Roots) Kick KIC LP02
*21 November 1983 (BBC World Service): Tribal War (album - Black Roots) Kick KIC LP02
*10 December 1983 (BFBS): Tribal War (album - Black Roots) Kick KIC LP02
*12 December 1983: The Father (album - Black Roots) Kick KIC LP02
;1984
*04 January 1984 (BFBS): Tribal War (album - Black Roots) Kick KIC LP02
*09 May 1984 (BFBS): The Father (album - Black Roots) Kick KIC LP02
*09 July 1984 (BBC World Service): Juvenile Delinquent (12") Kick KIC 05 T
*Peel June To August 1984: Frontline (album - The Front Line) Kick KIC LP06
*26 August 1984 (BFBS): Frontline (album - The Front Line) Kick KIC LP06
;1985
*02 October 1985: Confusion (LP - In Session) BBC
*07 October 1985 (BBC World Service): Survival (LP - In Session) BBC
== External Links ==
*Wikipedia
*Discogs
*Official Website
Category:Artists