Artist profile · 04/07/2026
Cymande
- 5
- Albums on Vinyles.com
- 387k
- Last.fm listeners
- 4M
- Last.fm plays
About
Cymande, The London funk collective blending Afrobeat, soul, and reggae since the 70s.
Formed by eight musicians with Caribbean roots, Cymande crafted a unique sound mixing funk, calypso, rhythm & blues, soul, and reggae, deeply influenced by Rastafarian themes. Their debut album appeared in 1972, followed by three more studio albums by 1981. After decades apart, they released new material in the 2010s and 2020s, including 'A Simple Act Of Faith' (2016) and 'Renascence' (2025). The band's catalogue is sought after on vinyl with multiple pressings, from classic 70s originals to recent limited editions.
Their signature tracks such as "Bra" and "The Message" continue to resonate, featured in hip-hop samples and funk compilations. Cymande's fusion has attracted collectors worldwide, maintaining demand across decades.
Discography
Cymande discography
Studio albums, live records, compilations and radio recordings. Each album groups all its editions.
Arrival
Cymande
- Vinyl 1
- CD 1
- Cassette
Data provided by Discogs
Listen
Signature songs
- 01
Brothers On The SlidePromised Heights · 1974 - 02
BraCymande · 1972 - 03DoveCymande · 1972
- 04The MessageCymande · 1972
- 05One MoreCymande · 1972
- 06Getting It BackCymande · 1972
- 07ListenCymande · 1972
- 08
CrawshaySecond Time Round · 1973
Essentials
3 Cymande albums you need to own
Our picks, approved by the editors.
#1 · 1972Debut album that introduces Cymande's blend of funk, soul and Afro-Caribbean rhythms with 9 tracks including signature "Bra" and "Dove."
9 tracksStereoJanus RecordsOriginal 1972 pressing
#2 · 1974Third studio album featuring 10 tracks like "Pon De Dungle" and the title track "Promised Heights," available on multiple pressings including rare originals.
10 tracksStereoJanus Records1974 US original pressing
#3 · 1973Sophomore album offering a tight 10-track collection with hits such as "Anthracite" and "Fug," pressed across several editions including the sought-after 1973 US original.
10 tracksJanus Records1973 US original pressing
Go further
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B-side
B-side: the hidden stories of Cymande
Studio secrets, tour stories and B-sides worth the whole album.
Recording of debut album 'Cymande' in 1972
The debut album was recorded in London in 1972, showcasing the group’s fusion of funk, soul and Afrobeat within 9 tracks, including the extended groove "Dove." Original pressings remain highly collectible.
1974 US original pressing of 'Promised Heights'
The 'Promised Heights' LP originally released in 1974 by Janus Records in the US, has strong demand with a want-to-have ratio of roughly 2:1 and original copies offered around €40 and upwards.
Steady collector interest in 'Second Time Round' original US pressings
1973 US original pressings of 'Second Time Round' show an active resale market, with prices ranging from about €11 to €23 and around 10 copies available for sale recently.
Sampling of Cymande in 1990s hip-hop
Cymande's tracks like 'Bra' and 'The Message' have been widely sampled by numerous hip-hop artists during the 1990s, contributing to the band's musical legacy beyond their original releases.
Our music draws on island rhythms and funk grooves to create a sound that speaks across cultures.— Band member
Cymande vinyl discography
See allPromised Heights
Cymande
Soul internationalFunk/Soul/RnB/Disco
2026-02-28Partisan RecordsFrom$26.88
2 offersSecond Time Round
Cymande
Soul internationalFunk/Soul/RnB/Disco
2026-02-28Partisan RecordsFrom$27.99
1 offerRenascence
Cymande
Funk internationalFunk/Soul/RnB/Disco
2025-02-11BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENTFrom$27.99
2 offers
Cymande CDs
See allPromised Heights
Cymande
Funk internationalFunk/Soul/RnB/Disco
2025-08-08Partisan RecordsFrom$13.29
2 offers
Recommended accessories
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FAQ
FAQ
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
What genres does Cymande's music mix?
Cymande blends funk, soul, afrobeat, reggae, jazz, and calypso, highlighting rhythm and groove with Caribbean and Rastafarian influences.
When did Cymande originally form and where?
The band formed in London in 1971 and initially released music through the 1970s before returning decades later.
Which Cymande vinyl albums are considered essential?
The debut 'Cymande' (1972), 'Second Time Round' (1973), and 'Promised Heights' (1974) are key vinyl albums to collect for fans.
Are there valuable original pressings of Cymande albums?
Yes, original 1970s US pressings, particularly of 'Promised Heights' and 'Second Time Round,' are sought after by collectors at prices ranging widely.
How does Cymande’s music relate to UK audiences and collectors?
Being a London-born group with Caribbean roots, they have a dedicated fan base and collectors in the UK who value original UK pressings and recent reissues.
Can I find recent Cymande releases on vinyl?
Recent albums such as 'A Simple Act Of Faith' (2016) and 'Renascence' (2025) are available on vinyl, often in limited editions and test pressings.
What tracks are most popular by Cymande on vinyl?
Tracks like 'Bra', 'The Message', and 'Brothers On The Slide' remain popular on vinyl and streaming platforms alike.
Where were Cymande’s 70s albums originally pressed?
Many of the classic albums were pressed originally in the US on labels such as Janus Records, with some UK pressings also available.
Transparency
Sources & method
This profile is compiled by the vinyles.com editors from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discography data from MusicBrainz (dates, country, active years).
- Tracklists, covers and genres from Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists from Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editors.