Zabah Bush formed in 1979 in Kingston's Trenchtown neighborhood, with Asaph Ben Ami on vocals and guitar. Their early music addressed poverty and Rastafarian spirituality, which didn't always sit well with local authorities. They kept playing small clubs and community gatherings anyway, building a following through songs like '10.RASTAFARI' and 'Fogo Fogo'.
The band kept writing about social issues and became known for organizing protests and supporting community initiatives. Their albums included 'Babylon's Shelter' in 1983 and 'Dub Sea' in 1986.
Original members included Michael Campbell on bass, Albert Johnson on drums, and Samuel Samuels on percussion. Their sound mixed reggae with elements of soul and funk, heard on tracks like 'BOMBARDEANDO AMERICA' and 'Fé'. They released 'Live in Kingston' in 1989 and 'Dread Roots' in 1991.
Keep it compact: a lyric you come back to, a live memory, or the part of the catalog you would point someone toward first.
Sign in to post the first listener note. Reporting stays open to everyone.