Name: Africa Must Be Free By 1983
Brand: Hugh Mundell

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

VPGSCD7055

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "VPGSCD7055"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

Format multiplier

Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2017-08-18

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

UPC / Barcode

0054645705523

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "0054645705523"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

GREL94

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "GREL94"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

Black

0601811009413

{"blocks": [{"data": {"text": "0601811009413"}, "type": "paragraph"}]}

1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No / black

Artist

Hugh Mundell

Genre GB

Reggae / Dub

Label GB

VP Records

A teenage prodigy, Hugh Mundell was born on 14 June 1962 in Kingston, Jamaica. He made waves in the reggae scene at just 16 years old with his iconic Roots record "Africa Must Be Free By 1983". Despite being produced by Augustus Pablo, Mundell wrote all the tunes himself, earning him the nickname "The Blessed Youth".

Introduced to reggae by family friend Boris Gardiner, Mundell began recording sessions at the age of 13. By the time of his untimely death on 14 October 1983, he had already produced five LPs and numerous singles. He also ran his own label called [l131540]. Additionally, he dabbled in deejay cut and sound system sessions under the name [a2787931].

Mundell's promising career was tragically cut short when he was shot while traveling in a car with Junior Reid. The circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, with various accounts suggesting it may have been related to an argument about a fridge, revenge for a burglary, or a dispute over a woman. Regardless of the reason, Mundell's passing left a void in the world of reggae music.

VP Records is a US-based record company, label, and distributor founded by Vincent "Randy" Chin and his wife Patricia Chin. It is globally recognized as the largest independent reggae label. The Chins moved from Jamaica in 1977 and established their store in the vibrant neighborhood of Queens, New York. With over 25,000 titles under its belt, VP Records acquired Greensleeves Records and was named the Billboard reggae label of the year in 1999. They have also collaborated with major labels like Atlantic Records for licensing deals. VP Music Group, Inc., handles all copyright matters while VP Mastering takes care of the mastering studio operations.

The success of VP Records can be attributed to its strong foundation built by Vincent and Patricia Chin. Their passion for reggae music led them to establish a store that would later evolve into one of the most influential labels in the industry. Today, VP Records continues to promote and distribute exceptional reggae music worldwide.

For distribution services provided by VP Records Distribution or more information about their extensive catalog, visit their website or contact them directly.

Our curated collection of essential albums on vinyl, CD, and tape at Rough Trade.

Rough Trade Essential

Back In Stock

The teenaged Hugh Mundell cut Africa Must Be Free by 1983 under the tutelage of the legendary producer Augustus Pablo in the mid-'70s, and had a Jamaican hit with the title track. Mundell's artlessly fervent singing is attractive far out of proportion to his technical skill. It's the sincerity and devotion in his voice that make successes of songs like "Let's All Unite" and "My Mind" -- that and the rock-solid instrumental backing of Pablo's studio band, which at this time included bassist and trombonist Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace and guitarists Earl "Chinna" Smith and Jeffrey Chung.

The CD issue of this album includes dub versions of six of the original album's eight tracks, as well as several other miscellaneous dub tracks. Like too many of Jamaica's best reggae musicians, Mundell died young -- in an almost creepy irony (given the title of his hit song), he was shot and killed in 1983 at the age of 21.rs on.

Africa Must Be Free By 1983

Music GB