Third World is one of the groups that has been on the reggae scene the longest. It is one of the most outstanding Jamaican bands of all time. In 30 years, the trajectory built by the band represents one of the most relevant points for the success and receptivity of reggae as a musical style. Third World is in the soul of reggae music.
In 1969, keyboardist Michael "Ibo" Cooper, together with guitarist Stephen "Cat" Coore, crossed paths with the Lewis Brothers and William Stewart in Inner Circle. Ibo and Cat were young musicians with classical training and knowledge of other musical forms, a fact that led the two to arrive in the virgin world of reggae music as strong promises. A little later, the group grew with the arrival of the wild percussionist Irvin "Carrot" Jarrett, a stylish guy whose father was a drummer in one of Jamaica's most popular big bands.
This guy, just so everyone knows, played as percussionist with The Wailers here in Curitiba, at the legendary Bavarium shows. By the way, for those who can remember, the guy tore it up on the drums and congas. Vocalist Milton "Prilly" Hamilton also joined the group. In 1973, Jarrett, Coore and Ibo broke away from Inner Circle. Bassist Richie Daley and drummer Carl Barovier were called in. Third World was formed, whom legend Jacob Miller called "Worl'ers".
It was a turnaround in Jamaican culture. Bob Marley was exploding with his albums Catch a Fire and Burnin. Third World appeared in this scenario married to the deepest roots, with indigenous influence added to folk music, all together with the African beat. The guys stumbled at the start but fame came quickly. In 1975, producer Chris Blackwell, then founder and owner of Island Records, who took Bob to the international public, signed Third World so the group would open Bob and the Wailers' European tour that year.
What a blast!!! The guys killed it and established themselves for real. This proximity to Marley, which lasted at least two uninterrupted years, brought various influences to Third World, spiritually and musically as well. The band's first hits began to pop up. "Satta Amasa Gana", authentic sound that plays on the night of the famous and mystical Jamaican region known as Strawberry Hill, in reality a hypnotic musical track dedicated to the third world. "96º in the shade" and "Jah Glory", showing that the band would not only become a reference to Rastafarianism but also a pure demonstration of musical maturity and rhythmic innovation.
It was with the legendary album 96º in the shade that vocalist "Bunny Rugs" Clarke was established in the band, a Jamaican who since childhood suffered and fought in the ghettos of New York. It was the bridge to the breakthrough and fame on "Journey to Addis", simply known worldwide, a period when the hit "now that we found love" also appeared, a joyful discoreggae originally recorded by The O'Jays that became one of the ten most played songs in the entire world.
All of this accompanied by live shows that were and continue to be remarkable. Proof of this was given at Pedreira, when they played accompanied by Lucky Dube and other heavyweights. Energy, positivity, musicianship, joy on stage — the band easily dodged rivals who criticized them and called them Bob Marley and The Wailers covers. With Marley's death in 1981, the band was one of the centers of attention at that year's Sunsplash Festival, entirely dedicated to the King as it could not have been otherwise.
In 1985 the band innovated in rhythms, releasing "sense of purpose", with the inevitable influence of electronic music associated with Jamaican DJs, who were beginning to make their presence felt on the Magic Island of the Caribbean scene. The trend was confirmed practically in all subsequent albums and hits, with highlights such as "forbidden love", "reggae radio station", "DJ ambassador", among others. With faith, hope, love and Rasta roots, Third World fulfilled and continues to fulfill well the mission of keeping the flame of reggae burning bright, very bright if you know what I mean. Not only that, it was one of the engines of the expressiveness and universality of Rastafari teaching for the whole world.
They were nominated four times for the Grammy Award, and in 1986 they won the UN peace medal. They continue on the road, spreading harmony wherever they go. True worl'ers inna new dimension, as musical columnist Winston Barnes of the Jamaican newspaper "Daily Gleaner" once said. Or as the band itself defines: "Everytime we think, hear or play music we remember the dream!" — "Whenever we think, hear or play music, we remember the DREAM!"