Getting It Back: The Story of Cymande

Directed by Tim Mackenzie-Smith
Starring Patrick Patterson, Steve Scipio, Derrick Gibbs

Cymande are the greatest band you’ve likely never heard of and this is their incredible untold story. Formed in south London by musicians who came to the UK from the Caribbean as part of the Windrush generation and led by Patrick Patterson (guitar) and Steve Scipio (bass), they combined jazz, funk, soul and Caribbean grooves to create a new sound. Their music was political, spiritual, and ahead of its time.

This debut feature film from British director Tim Mackenzie-Smith, it’s a riveting account of what happened to Cymande, who struggled to find fame and fortune in 1970s Britain, but whose songs did eventually change music history – and the dancefloor.

This screening is programmed to coincide with the Beyond The Bassline exhibition at Storyhouse.