Returning to what the label does best, bringing to light music that might be otherwise overlooked, Emotional Rescue again examines the melting pot of West London music scene of the 1970s and 80s and the music of Dambala.

Following the 7” reissue of the cult song Lorraine (ERC122) from their only album, Azania, as part of the label’s DISCO REGGAE LOVERS series last year, ‘Revelation’ now looks at their single releases, recorded between 1978 and 1980, spread across a 2 x 12” Double Pack and cut loud especially for DJ play.

Growing out the fervent mid-70s multicultural music hub around and along the Harrow Road and Ladbroke Grove, a young Nigerian, Augustus Anyia, having joined his parents in the UK, grew up in the W9 / W11 axis of Maida Vale and Notting Hill. While still at school he utilised his interest in carpentry to fabricate a drum set and cajoling friends, soon formed a school band, before going on to learn rhythm and lead guitar, bass, keyboards, and percussion.

Progressing to jamming and sessions, Anyia met guitarist Alvin Christie in 1975 and the core of the band was formed soon after through the connections on the local scene. Dambala – one of the most important ‘Ioa’ or spirits for the African diaspora; benevolent, patient, wise and kind, yet removed from the trials and tribulations of daily, human life – was a perfect name for a group that was unique at that time, for creating reggae and being a part of the live scene while not a single member was from Jamaica, then a highly unusual and not-oft accepted fact of the time.

Dambala teamed up with Jimmy Lindsay, who on the back of the international success of his hit, Easy, set up the Music Hive label and produced and sang on the band’s debut, Zimbabwe, in 1978. Anyia then created his own imprint, ISIS, to release the band’s recordings. With Dennis Bovell on mixing duties, they released Rebel / Militant, featuring Militant Barry as DJ and was soon followed by Rally Rally Round, Babylon and with Anyia’s partner Pauline Catlin from legendary reggae vocal group Brown Sugar (alongside Caron Wheeler), the deep roots and horns of Me And My Dread.

All appear alongside their dub / versions, highlighting a warmth, swing and oft-melancholy nature of the band’s music, while also showcasing Anyia’s songwriting and guitar skills, that also mastered producing. A testament to a moment in London’s music history, where multiculturism, inspired by the unique sounds coming from Jamaica, merged, formed and created its own sound and revelations.