Entertainment

Grammy-winning British reggae band Steel Pulse to perform Saturday on Maui

Grammy-winning British reggae band Steel Pulse will bring the fall leg of their "Reggae Against Racism" world tour to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center on Saturday with Hawaii's Seven Suns opening the show.

"After touring the world celebrating our 50th anniversary, we recognized that the common thread that had been dividing mankind has been racism," explained Steel Pulse's co-founder David Hinds. "We saw it necessary to carry this mantle of what was established 50 years ago from the shores of Britain, and that is to combat this plight through music."

One of the world's most popular reggae bands, Steel Pulse initially honed their roots sound before crowds of punks in their British homeland. Formed in 1975 in the industrial hub of Birmingham, the band's militant music brought them to the forefront of Britain's Rock against Racism movement, opening for groups such as the Clash and the Police.

The musicians felt a kinship with some of these rock bands because they were exploring similar issues. Rather than singing about traditional Rastafarian issues, they turned the spotlight on problems in the U.K.

"The influence rubbed off," recalled Hinds. "A general reggae subject matter is usually 'Jah Rastafari,' or 'let's chant down Babylon,' and if it was a love song, 'baby, I love you.' The Police were writing songs like 'Message in a Bottle.' They were very interesting lyrics."

The first British reggae band invited to play Jamaica's Reggae Sunsplash festival and the only British reggae band to win a Grammy -- for "Babylon the Bandit" in 1986 -- Steel Pulse has long forged a potent, upbeat sound with mesmerizing live performances.

Since the release of their groundbreaking debut album, "Handsworth Revolution," in 1978, they have railed against racism, colonialism, social injustice and environmental destruction on classic songs such as "Earth Crisis," "Ku Klux Klan," "Tribute to the Martyrs" and "Ravers."

On their most recent studio album, "Mass Manipulation," they addressed a range of critical issues including the horror of human trafficking, the police shooting of unarmed African-Americans ("Don't Shoot"), the exploitation of Africa's resources ("No Satan Side"), the New World Order (the title track), global warming ("World Gone Mad") and racism in Louisiana ("Justice in Jena").

Four decades after their debut, the band sounded as strong as ever on this compelling collection. Released to wide acclaim, The Guardian praised: "The singer's (David Hinds) songwriting and Bob Marleyesque vocals have lost none of their plaintively galvanizing qualities as he addresses social justice."

Covering many relevant social and political issues, Hinds reported that the songs were created over time. "Things still remain current because the issues are the same," he said.

Like one of his early influences, reggae legend Bob Marley, Hinds has a knack for fusing intense lyrics with infectious melodies.

"Despite the fact that the lyrics may be politically heavy handed, the catchy melodies and grooves and the Steel Pulse signature, how it feels and swings, it all helps to accent the subject matter and make them more palatable," he noted.

The one cover on the album was a reggae version of Steve Winwood's hit "Higher Love" (subtitled "Rasta Love"), which Hinds included because, "we needed something that lifts us on a positive note and leaves us with hope."

Dub versions of songs on "Mass Manipulation" were later released through a connection that Maui's Marty Dread made with Italian-born remixer Gaudi.

Returning to Hawaii, Hinds has expressed appreciation for the islands. "I always look forward to coming back to Hawaii," he said. "I feel more at ease."

Steel Pulse will perform at 6 p.m. Saturday at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center's Alexander & Baldwin Amphitheater. Gates open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $57 for general admission and $102 for VIP at Mauiarts.org.