Artist Bio
Third World Reggae generally refers to the highly influential, Grammy-nominated Jamaican band Third World. The band is celebrated for their sophisticated fusion of roots reggae with R&B, soul, dancehall, and pop music.
The Band “Third World”
Third World was formed in 1973 by two former members of the band Inner Circle: keyboardist Michael “Ibo” Cooper and guitarist Steven “Cat” Coore. They rose to international fame and became known for their “World Music” approach to reggae.
Key aspects of the band:
- Fusion Style: They are pioneers of the reggae fusion genre, seamlessly blending traditional Jamaican sounds with American R&B and disco.
- Major Hits: Their most famous songs include the cover of The O’Jays’ “Now That We Found Love” and the original hit “Forbidden Love”.
- Legacy: They are considered one of the longest-running reggae bands with virtually all original members, and they have received numerous Grammy nominations over their decades-long career.
You can listen to their discography on music platforms such as Spotify or Apple Music.
“Third World” in the Context of Reggae
The term “Third World” also carries historical meaning outside the band’s name. As the reggae genre is closely tied to the Rastafari movement and social commentary:
- Political Commentary: Early reggae music often addressed the political and economic struggles of what was historically termed the “Third World” (developing countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America).
- Cultural Identity: The music became a voice for oppressed people seeking identity and freedom from “Babylon” (a Rastafari term for a corrupt, Western-dominated society).
