UNDIVIDED ROOTS BIOGRAFIA

Undivided Roots were formed in the early 80s around the nucleus of Carlton ‘Bubblers’ Ogilvie, Kenton ‘Fish’ Brown and Antonio Philips. Other notable members have included Don Campbell, Jazwad and Trevor Fagan. The band released a series of popular hits including the lovers rock favourite, ‘Telling Me Lies’, and the haunting ‘Rock Dis Ya Music’, that was re-released in 1985. The band built a solid foundation between 1982 and 1984 when they diversified into pop and R&B, which they performed to audiences in the Middle East. On their return they performed alongside the BRAFA collective for the Ethiopian Famine appeal with the release of ‘Let’s Make Africa Green Again’. Demonstrating an independent stance the band formed the Entente label and enjoyed a Christmas hit with the festive ‘Party Night’, that was accompanied by a self-financed promotional video (a rarity in reggae circles at the time). The success of the single led to 1985’s Ultimate Experience. The album topped the reggae album charts and remained on the chart throughout the year. In the same year the band performed at the Reggae Sunsplash Festival in London, which led to an appearance at the Jamaican Festival in 1987. On their return the group released ‘Raggamuffin Night’, ‘Duke Of Earl’ and ‘Nature Of Love’. Their efforts were conclusively recognised by the media in 1988 when they were voted the Best Group at the British Reggae Awards. In addition to raising their own profile the group continued to support visiting Jamaican performers including Dennis Brown, Big Youth, Freddie McGregor and Culture. The arrival of digital led to the overdue recognition of Ogilvie’s keyboard skills when he was considered one of the UK’s top session men, although ironically the band were still not acknowledged for their efforts. By 1990, the band were recognised as a viable proposition when they signed to Mango Records. They released ‘She’, featuring Don Campbell on lead vocals. While with the label they released their second album that featured remakes of earlier hits. The band has irrevocably been recognised for their efforts in the UK reggae scene and continues to work individually and collectively.