Getting It Back: The Story of Cymande

They are the unsung heroes whose message of peace, love and funk sailed beyond Britain’s shores and helped shape music for five decades. Long after they stopped playing, the music played on, so they returned to play some more.

Hailing from Brixton, Tooting and Balham this is a riveting documentary about the British Black super group that never made it, but whose music you will definitely have heard.

‘It’s like a magic spell.’ That’s just one description of Cymande’s output. Self-taught musicians from South London, the sons of Windrush parents, their music combined influences from funk, calypso, soul and jazz, all brought together to intoxicating effect. Following three great albums and some success in the US, they split in 1975, after being largely ignored in the UK and having experienced abhorrent racism from the music industry. However, their recordings never stopped inspiring and influencing generations of artists and fans, from Jazzy Jay and The Fugees to My Morning Jacket and MC Solar. Featuring a wealth of archive footage, riveting interviews with band members and artists they inspired, as soon as this fascinating film ends, you’ll be adding the band’s albums to your playlist.”

Laure Bonville

PLEASE NOTE – this screening is ticketed so needs advance booking – the ticket price will be exchanged for a drinks voucher from the bar.

TICKET LINK HERE

Kindly sponsored by InStreatham – special thanks to BFI and Doc’n Roll Music Documentary Festival