Maka – Cimarons, 1978

The (not yet) Cimarons arrived in London from Jamaica in 1967. In their early days, they accompanied various reggae artists on tour and in the studio, helping to launch the genre in the UK. But the group didn’t really take shape until 1973, when they met singer Winston Reid, who was to become their vocal leader. They recorded several albums, mixing roots reggae with soul and rock influences. Maka, released in 1978 on Polydor, was one of these. The album included the single Mother Earth, illustrating their commitment to conscious, universal themes. Throughout their career, the Cimarons played a key role in spreading reggae in Europe, at a time when the genre was still largely dominated by Jamaican productions. Despite gaining widespread recognition and releasing a dozen albums, the band eventually broke up in 1981, leaving behind a legacy that has left its mark on British reggae.