Cimarons Reunite for First Gig in 30 Years in UK
- Cimarons, formed in 1967 in London, became the first reggae band in the UK and collaborated with notable artists like Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley.
- Despite their influence, the band faced financial struggles and industry challenges, including a lack of support from record labels and the BBC.
- The release of a documentary about their journey and their first gig in 30 years serves as a reminder of their significant yet overlooked contributions to reggae music.
In the late 1960s, two Jamaican-born Londoners, Locksley Gichie and Franklyn Dunn, formed the Cimarons, the UK’s first reggae band, in Harlesden, London. By the end of the decade, they had become a prominent backing group for Jamaican artists, collaborating with legends like Jimmy Cliff and Bob Marley. Despite their significant contributions to the music scene, the band struggled financially, often touring in a dilapidated van and lacking professional management. Their raw sound was difficult for record labels to market, and the music industry was hesitant to embrace reggae, with the BBC even denying it an audience. This documentary highlights their journey and the challenges they faced, culminating in their first gig in 30 years, which serves as a bittersweet reminder of their legacy. Tragically, one member passed away before this reunion, underscoring the urgency of recognizing their impact on reggae music before it was too late.