Bringing the beat back: The accidental heroes of hip hop
Childhood best friends and self-taught musicians, Patrick and Steve were overlooked by the music industry. But their funk band Cymande would go on to shape hip hop’s golden age.
In 1971, childhood best friends and self-taught musicians Patrick Patterson and Steve Scipio created Cymande, a funk band inspired by their Caribbean heritage. But they struggled to find success, facing racism and an unwelcoming British music industry. Disillusioned, Patrick and Steve put away their guitars and became lawyers instead. But unknown to them, their music developed a cult following and would shape the golden age of hip hop, influencing the likes of Grandmaster Flash, De La Soul and The Fugees. Decades later in their 60s, Patrick and Steve would make an unexpected and triumphant return. They are featured in the documentary, Getting it back: The story of Cymande.
Presenter: Mobeen Azhar
Producer: Maryam Maruf
Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com
(Photo: Cymande in the 1970s. Credit: Cymande)
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