Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

NTUS637.1

Colour

Black

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 US

Limited edition

1200

Release date

2023-04-22

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier US

Traff­ic

Tax rate US

Sales:8.875

UPC / Barcode

822720763764

Total Cap

Black 12"

Artist

Hugh Mundell

Genre US

Reggae / Dub

Label US

Nature Sounds

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.

Record Store Day is an annual event inaugurated in 2007 to "celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store". Held on one Saturday every April and every Black Friday in November, the day brings together fans, artists, and thousands of independent record stores around the world.

Record Store Day 2023

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Back In Stock

Discover Rough Trade's curated selection of 7" and 12" vinyl singles. From rare gems to the latest releases, find the perfect addition to your collection.

Vinyl Singles

This product is a Record Store Day title and not available to pre-order. 
 Available to buy in-store from 04/22/2023 (Record Store Day). 
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The reggae classic issued on an Africa shaped picture disc. Before his tragic death at the age of 21, Hugh Mundell was a rising star in Jamaica’s burgeoning reggae scene. In 1976, the Kingston native released the single “Africa Must By Free By 1983”, produced by dub legend Augustus Pablo. The song would eventually become the title track on Mundell’s classic debut album, released through Pablo’s iconic label Rockers. Now, Nature Sounds is partnering with Augustus Pablo’s family for a limited-edition Africa-shaped vinyl picture disc highlighting this indelible track. Written by Hugh Mundell and recorded when the famed singer was just 14 years old, “Africa Must Be Free By 1983” is an uplifting anthem steeped in the Pan-African ideals Mundell championed during his brief but memorable career. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Rockers, this historic single is receiving a dazzling new deluxe vinyl pressing, complete with two rare Augustus Pablo dub mixes on the B-Side.

Africa Must Be Free By 1983 (Africa Shaped Picture Disc)

Music US