With a career spanning over half a century, Aswad is one of Britain’s most influential and enduring reggae bands. Formed in 1974 in West London, the group quickly became pioneers in introducing the reggae sound and its values to European listeners. With their characteristic mix of roots reggae, soul, funk, dub, and lovers rock, Aswad has left a lasting mark on global music history.
Aswad found early success with the track "Back To Africa," but their real breakthrough came in 1988, when their version of "Don't Turn Around" went straight to the top spot on the British singles chart and became an international hit. Over the years, classics such as "Shine," "Give A Little Love," "Next To You," and "On & On" have become closely associated with the band’s colorful and genre-transcending sound.
Two Exclusive Swedish Concerts in Spring 2027
In spring 2027, Aswad will perform two exclusive shows in Sweden, cementing their status as true heavyweights of reggae. The tour schedule is as follows:
- 19 March 2027 – Jacyz Big Stage, Gothenburg
- 21 March 2027 – Palladium, Malmö
Throughout their long career, Aswad has shared the stage and collaborated with some of reggae’s biggest names, such as Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Bunny Wailer, Burning Spear, Dennis Brown, Maxi Priest, and Sly & Robbie. The band’s achievements have been met with critical acclaim: the album "Rise & Shine" resulted in a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album and Aswad has received the MOBO Award for Outstanding Contribution to Black Music.
After lead singer and founder Drummie Zeb passed away, his son Sulaiman Gaye-Clarke — who has been involved in the band’s touring and creative processes for over twenty years — took over as lead vocalist. Gaye-Clarke now preserves the legacy and leads Aswad’s music into the future, ensuring the group’s continued relevance within the modern reggae scene.
Aswad’s energetic live performances have taken place on countless premier stages and festivals worldwide. The concerts offer more than nostalgia and are living proof of how roots reggae can embrace elements of dancehall, hiphop, funk, and dub — an innovative spirit that has characterized the band’s long road to success. Audiences in both Gothenburg and Malmö can look forward to evenings filled with iconic hits, rich musical history, and the unmistakable warmth of authentic reggae.
Holgerhund Live, the organizer behind these concerts, has extensive experience in event production and collaborations with international artists. Their commitment guarantees that Aswad’s long-awaited return to Sweden in 2027 will be memorable for loyal fans as well as for new listeners.
