The Return of Cymande
The British group Funk Group Cymande, which ceased performance in 1974, has reunited nearly four decades later and is currently enjoying a resurgence with a hot new studio album released on Friday, fresh tour dates, and their planned television broadcast in 2022 for the documentary Return: History of Cymande.
A Journey Through Time
Formed in the early 1970s in Brixton and Balham, South London, Cymande was largely overlooked by the British music industry but achieved significant success in the United States. They supported Al Green and became the first British group to headline the historic Apollo Theater in New York. Although they disbanded after three albums, their influence resonated within early hip-hop and rap scenes. Iconic artists like Grandmaster Flash, De La Soul, and the Fugees sampled Cymande’s biggest hits, including the 1972 single “The Message,” ensuring their music’s lasting popularity into the 21st century. Cymande reformed for a one-time concert in 2006 before embarking on a full reunion in 2012.
At the concert on Tuesday evening, January 28, held at the Ritzy Cinema, guitarist Patrick Patterson shared: “The last few months have been great. We promoted a lot for the new album … The reviews were wonderful, and we recently appeared on Later … with Jools Holland about a month and a half ago. This was the first time Cymande appeared on English television. It is extremely gratifying to be acknowledged after such a long journey.”
“It’s fantastic to see young people now interested in our music; this gives us an excuse,” added bassist Steve Scipio. “It’s wonderful to be recognized; better late than never. We appreciate and are grateful to the rappers, samplers, and hip-hop artists who have seen something valuable in our music.”
The new album features several high-profile collaborators, including Soul II Soul legend Jazzie B and award-winning Brit artist Celeste, whose debut album “Not Your Muse” topped the UK charts in 2021. They contributed to the R&B-infused track “We Are Rolling” and a piano ballad titled “Only One Path,” respectively.
Patterson praised Celeste as “a true gem, an absolutely wonderful talent” and articulated the “privilege” of collaborating with renowned Black British musicians. “Black music has often been overlooked in this country,” he stated. “The industry seems to have little time for it or for Black musicians. The joy in recently joining forces with some incredible musicians to represent Black music and its artistry is something special.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etoooa8wta2c
The documentary Return: History of Cymande, directed by Tim Mackenzie Smith, premiered in 2022 before wider cinematic release last February. It chronicles the group’s history, from their immigrant roots facing a hostile environment to a triumphant return. During a Q&A at the Ritzy, Mackenzie Smith confirmed a recent deal with the BBC to broadcast Cymande’s story to a broader audience soon.
“This film is one of the most important projects I’ve worked on in my career,” said Mackenzie Smith. “It holds personal significance for me as I’ve been a fan since the ‘90s—my first encounter with their music was on a mixtape. To be here in 2025, knowing they’re performing for an even larger audience through this album and the BBC documentary, is truly exciting.”
Cymande will kick off their US Tour in February before returning to London for a hometown concert at O2 Academy Brixton on October 17.
Cymande 2025 UK and US Tour Dates:
February
13 – New York, New York – Irving Plaza
14 – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Ardmore Musical Hall
15 – Washington, D.C. – Howard Theater
18 – Chicago, Illinois – Metro
19 – Minneapolis, Minnesota – University Theater
21 – Denver, Colorado – Bluebird Theater
22 – Seattle, Washington – Crocodile
23 – Portland, Oregon – Aladdin Theater
26 – San Francisco, California – August Hall
28 – Los Angeles, California – The Bellwether
May
25 – London, UK – Tracks Across the Tracks
October
17 – London, UK – O2 Academy Brixton
https://www.nme.com/news/film/cymande-new-album-renascence-london-screening-brixton-3832951?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=cymande-new-album-renascence-london-screening-brixton
