Abakush

This predominantly female group from Brixton was formed in 1981 by a group of like-minded individuals. They originally

performed as Abacus, which evolved into their current name Abakush -

'Abba' of Aramaic origin – the common word for father in modern Hebrew and ‘Kush' representing the Motherland.

In 1983, they released their debut single "Abakush' followed by“Physically"

They gained wider recognition when they appeared alongside Misty In Roots in concert and on recording sessions for

Misty's People Unite label. The sessions resulted in the 1984 releases of ‘Rackattack’ and the classic ‘Batta Dem"

During this period, Kush Abakush were a regular feature on terrestrial television in the UK including the BBC series, Ebony,

Channel 4's Bacchanal, ITV programmes, Middle English and Clothes Speak.

By the mid-80s the line-up had settled around Jenaba 'Zion' Erb (drums), Former View from The Hill band member Angela

Wynter on vocals, Jennifer Harrison (vocals) Former Aquizim band members Christine ‘Cozmic C’ Allen Porter on guitar and bass, 

Mickey Zimm (Mickey Porter) on rhythm guitar, Lorraine ‘Skiddim’ Flynn on bass guitar, Henry ’Zeb’ Holder on keyboard and Ras Fari on percussion. New recruit, Nisha K, (singer) joined the group recently.

Whilst Kush Abakush is widely considered a reggae group, they incorporate elements of Jazz, Soca and Gospel into their

sound.Examples of the group's diversity can be found on their subsequent releases 'Sunshine Island' (1985),

'Stand firm' and 'Africa' (both released in1986) as well as 'Reggae Vibes' (1988).

In 1988 the band toured Kenya and Zimbabwe, and in 1992 Ethiopia.

The group then embarked on the critically acclaimed European tour in the latter part of 1992. They continued touring up

until 1994, which culminated in sessions for

their stunning debut album

‘Life’ in 1998.

They released a mini album which featured Trevor Hartley on the title track. Whilst his performance was faultless the

critics and fans alike favoured the re-cut of ' Batta Dem alongside the thunderous dub version.