Debut studio album from precocious reggae talent Hugh Mundell. Africa Must Be Free By 1983 was originally recorded in between 1976 and 1978 when Mundell was still a teenager. Augustus Pablo saw Mundell recording at Joe Gibbs' studio and asked to work with him. The two set off for Lee Perry's Black Ark and started recording tracks for what would eventually become this album. Pablo's backing band is rock solid and includes greats like Robbie Shakespeare, Leroy "Horsemouth" Wallace and Earl "Chinna" Smith, but it's Mundell's vocal delivery that really makes the record. He's passionate and sincere, especially on cuts like "Let's All Unite" and "My Mind." Also worth checking out is the Prince Jammy produced dub version of the album. Nine tracks in all. Released by Greensleeves on black vinyl housed in a full color sleeve.

• black vinyl pressing
  
• music label: Greensleeves 2017

reviewed by Chillum & Chubler 09/2017