Nucleus Roots: reggae from Manchester and a journey from band to dub sound system

The idea behind establishing Nucleus Roots was to provide recording studio access for the many obvious reggae talents living in Manchester. The studio gradually expanded, as did its catalogue of collaborating artists, arrangements and recorded tracks. Nucleus Roots Studio then created a platform for these artists in the form of the band Nucleus Roots.

The band formed in 1996 from the ashes of respected Manchester punky-reggae outfit Community Charge. Nucleus Roots initially comprised 10 reggae musicians, including several highly respected figures in Britain: Paul Lush on bass, Richie Sliva on drums, Peter Teck on keyboards and synthesisers, Steely and Gary on guitars, Mikey Congo on percussion, Clive Stuart leading the Nucleus Roots horn section, and talented vocalist Moses, delivering Des Nia Lashimba’s explosive lyrics.

With such a strong team and a series of warmly received concerts behind them, Nucleus Roots soon built a large following and earned the respect of numerous roots sound systems. Manchester heavyweight sound system Freedom Masses compared Nucleus Roots to Joe Gibbs.

In autumn 1998, Manchester organisation Potential Development offered Nucleus Roots a support slot for Leeds sound system Iration Steppas. With a small stage, they decided to bring studio equipment rather than all their live musicians. They invited old Community Charge friend Johno, aka Dub Dadda, to join the mix; he appeared as Zion Train’s singer at Bielawa’s 2003 festival. The event went so well that this new Nucleus Roots format survived, opening an exciting new path.

In 1999, Continental Drifts persuaded Nucleus Roots to play Glastonbury. The concert was brilliantly received, and the group were subsequently voted Best Emerging Underground Act of the Year. This consolidated their position on Britain’s underground scene, leading to numerous substantial UK and European appearances. They became Glastonbury regulars, playing Firestarter (1999), Avalon and Greenpeace (2000), the renowned Jazz Stage (2002) and anarchic Lost Vagueness big top (2003).

Unable to find a satisfactory UK distributor, Nucleus Roots looked increasingly towards the continent, agreeing distribution with Too Good Distribution in France and Universal Egg elsewhere in Europe.

They became readily recognisable after releasing four now-classic albums with their own distinctive roots sound. The latest, “Heart of the Matter”, brilliantly showcases the talents gathered around their studio. With vocal contributions from Moses, Country Culture, Simon Dan, Ossie Gad, Don Hartley, Desny and Stix Dan, it offers an introduction to a variety of songs in the style of Jamaican studios of the 1970s and 1980s. All this led to collaborations with leading reggae artists in the UK and beyond, including Twinkle Brothers, Misty in Roots, Dub Syndicate, The Natura-ites, Jah Shaka, Aba Shanti and Fred Locks.

They consistently pursue their idea of “digital vibration inna old school inspiration”: combining modern, heavy digital dub beats with the melody, message and singing of great classic roots reggae.

Nucleus Roots first came to Poland in June 2003. They played during the City Days celebrations in Zgorzelec, as well as at Sfinks in Sopot and MOK in Opole. They proved themselves a band of a very high musical standard, delivering a solid show based on a flawless sound, captivating compositions and the interplay of three experienced vocalists who know exactly why they are on stage.