Barry Ford, Winston Bennett, Michael Dan, Tony Osei, Michael Osei, Ivor Steadman
Merger were an English
reggae band of Jamaican/Ghanaian descent that formed in 1977 and lasted until 1980. Their name "Merger" comes from the fact that they blended reggae music with their other musical influences.[1][2] Their debut album, Exiles Ina Babylon was released in the UK in 1977 at a time when many British reggae bands, such as
Aswad and
Steel Pulse, were popular.[3] Politically, the band's songs addressed issues of racial injustice in Britain and other countries, but they rejected the
Marcus Garvey idea that all black people should return to Africa.[1]
Reception
"The Jamaican/Ghanaian line up provided for a wide spectrum of reggae sounds. Merger's debut Exile In Babylon created a stir when released in 1977, critics deemed it too soft core, and felt it catered too much to the pop market." (Andrew Hamilton,
Allmusic)[1]
"They integrated blues, soul, rock, funk and experimental influences in their musical efforts" (Teacher & Mr. T, Reggae Vibes)[2]
"Merger's reggae performance of "Soweto"... is a serious piece of polital pop, whose pretesting lyrics and skilful musicianship are more impressive than many of the fashion-rock bands" (Dr Ian Inglis, Popular Music And Television In Britain)[4]
"Led by the ever-so-soulful vocals of Barry Ford and the unusual deep voice of Michael Dan, with heavyweight compositions like "77" and "Understanding"" (Record Collector)[3]
"Merger created an experimental variation on the contemporary roots reggae formula and made many friends amongst those on the London gig circuit" (Dub Vendor)[5]
"At a time when the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher, boned socialism in English, "Exiles in Babylon" celebrates the fusion ( "merger" in English) of influences: reggae, punk, blues, jazz" (Reggae France)[6]