After decades of silence, one of the most influential funk collectives in British music history is back — and better than ever. Cymande, the boundary-breaking group known for fusing funk, soul, jazz, and Afro-Caribbean rhythms, has just dropped Renascence, a triumphant new studio album that rewrites what a comeback can sound like. The legendary band’s return is more than just a nostalgic victory lap — it’s a statement of purpose, a creative revival that pulses with both cultural pride and musical innovation.
And to celebrate, we’re spinning cuts from Renascence and digging deep into Cymande’s live catalog on tonight’s NRN Radio Show, live at 9 PM ET right here on JamFest. Every track we play is live, raw, and powerful — just how the funk gods intended.
Cymande: The Legacy Behind the Groove
Formed in the early 1970s by musicians from the Caribbean diaspora in London, Cymande was never your average funk band. Their music carried messages of peace, unity, and Black consciousness at a time when mainstream radio wasn’t ready for their sound — but crate-diggers and DJs were. From tracks like “Bra” to “The Message,” Cymande’s grooves found second lives in hip-hop samples and underground clubs. Their albums became cultural artifacts, passed down like vinyl gospel through generations of music lovers.
Then they vanished. Until now.
Renascence: More Than a Return — A Rebirth
Their new release Renascence isn’t content with just echoing the past — it builds on it. From the first track, it’s clear Cymande is still locked into their signature pocket: complex polyrhythms, tight basslines, hypnotic horn sections, and lyrics that move both body and mind. But this time, there’s a modern sheen and urgency — a subtle acknowledgment of the world’s evolution since their heyday.
Thematically, the album leans into rebirth, reflection, and resilience. Standouts like “New Dawn” and “Rising” speak to hope and regeneration, while “Our Time” delivers the unmistakable Cymande groove we’ve missed for decades.
This isn’t retro — it’s relevant.
A Band Reunited, A Culture Recharged
What makes Renascence so compelling is how seamlessly Cymande blends their old-school soul with current energy. It feels effortless — as if the band never left. But make no mistake: this is the product of lived experience, political awareness, and the artistic hunger that’s never gone away.
Their return couldn’t be better timed. In a world where cultural heritage is being re-evaluated and re-centered, Cymande’s music stands as a living testament to diasporic creativity, Black excellence, and community resilience.
Tune In: Cymande Live on Tonight’s NRN Radio Show
Tonight’s NRN Radio Show on JamFest is all about Cymande — the legacy, the live energy, and the revolutionary funk that’s making noise once again. Starting at 9 PM ET, we’ll be spinning:
- Rare live recordings from their classic 1970s tours
- Standout tracks from Renascence
- Cymande covers and tributes from the global funk scene
- Behind-the-music insights and audio from band members
And as always, everything you hear on the NRN Radio Show is 100% live recordings — no studio edits, just pure performance.
Why Renascence Matters
In a time when musical legends often settle into the comfort of their archives, Cymande chose resurrection over rest. Renascence isn’t just about returning — it’s about reclaiming space. For those new to Cymande, this is your entry point. For longtime fans, this is the moment you’ve been waiting for. Funk is alive, well, and thriving in the hands of its pioneers.
🎶 Don’t miss the vibe tonight on JamFest.
🕘 NRN Radio Show | April 30 | 9 PM–10:30 PM ET
🔥 Every track is live. Every groove is real.
Stay locked in. The funk never left — it was just waiting for the right time to rise again.