Getting It Back: The Story of Cymande

8:00PM SATURDAY 15 JUNE

Followed by The Afrobiotics live on stage - dancing encouraged!

Cymande is the greatest 1970s band you’ve possibly never heard of. But if you’ve listened to the Fugees, De La Soul or the Wu-Tang Clan – or simply been on a dance floor anytime in the past few decades – you’ll recognise their irresistible, infectious sound. Formed in south London by nine self-taught Caribbean-born musicians, Cymande meshed funk, soul, jazz and Caribbean grooves to create a music that was political, spiritual, and brilliantly ahead of its time.

This is their incredible untold story, embellished by interviews with Mark Ronson, Laura Lee and Mark Speer, DJ Maseo, Jazzie B, Cut Chemist and Louie Vega, among many other admirers in the industry. It’s one of joyous creativity stifled by political and institutional obstruction, carrying themes both relevant and urgent. And one that’s deservedly garnering Cymande new generations of avid fans.

The Afrobiotics play a unique Afrobeat infused with Sabar rhythms from Senegal, creating an intimate and collaborative sound. 

All tickets to Cymande include entry to see the band, The Afrobiotics. Follow the same link to purchase tickets see The Afrobiotics only ($10)

 

CREDITS

Director
Tim Mackenzie-Smith

Producers
Matt Wyllie, Tim Mackenzie-Smith

Duration
89 mins

Unsung and hugely influential, the British group Cymande was overdue for a documentary…Director Tim MacKenzie-Smith clearly has a lot of affection for the band. And so do we after watching his film.

Cymande’s music is so honest and personal that it sounds fresh and new today. This mix of politics and artistry makes the film important as it shines a light on a little-known but vital group of ground-breaking musicians. As Ronson notes, “The arc of history bends to the just”, so it’s no wonder that they are having a well-deserved resurgence.

Rich Cline, Shadows Off The Wall

2

The Festival at a glance

Friday 14 June

Theatre Royal

5:00pm
Music from Brazazul
a beautiful moment
Ag Fab: From Paddock to Catwalk

7:30pm
Acknowledgement of Country

8:00pm
WINHANGANHA and Q&A

9:30pm
Drinks at Love Shack

Saturday 15 June

Theatre Royal

11:00am
Obsessed with Light

2:00pm
Starring Jerry as Himself

5:00pm
LOCALS

8:00pm
Getting it Back: The Story of Cymande

9:30pm
Party with The Afrobiotics at Theatre Royal

Sunday 16 June

Theatre Royal

11:00am
The Gullspång Miracle

2:00pm
The Koalas and Q&A

5:00pm
Apolonia, Apolonia

8:00pm
The Road to Patagonia

9:30pm
Drinks at Love Shack

FILMS & GAMES IN THE YURT

On the Western Reserve

SATURDAY 15 June

11:30am
Kids on the Silk Road: Girl away from home {film} and The Monkey King {film}

1:00pm 
Werewolves {game}

4:00pm 
a beautiful moment {film}

7:00pm 
Werewolves {game}

 

 

SUNDAY 16 June

11:30am
Kids on the Silk Road: Bird Boy {film} and Girl with goals {film}

1:00pm 
Werewolves {game}

4:00pm
Ag Fab: From Paddock to Catwalk {film}

5:00pm 
Werewolves {game}

Festival Archives