Cymande (pronounced "sih-mahn-day") is a British funk group made up of nine self-taught Caribbean born, London, UK based musician/singers, formed in 1971 by Steve Scipio (bass, vocals) and Patrick Patterson (guitar, vocals). The band is renowned for its distinctive sound that fuses funk, soul, Caribbean calypso, jazz, reggae, and Afrobeat, creating a genre-defying musical identity that was ahead of its time. The name "Cymande" is derived from a calypso word meaning "Dove", symbolizing peace and love - principles the band embraced both musically and spiritually. Their sound was deeply rooted in their multicultural backgrounds and the diasporic experience in post-Windrush Britain. Cymande quickly made an impact with their self-titled debut album in 1972, featuring the now-iconic tracks “Dove”, "Bra" and "The Message". These songs became underground hits in the U.S., particularly in New York’s dance clubs, and later became staples in the hip-hop sampling canon, used by artists like De La Soul, Fugees, and MC Solaar. The band released three albums in the early 1970s: “Cymande” (1972), “Second Time Round” (1973) and “Promised Heights” (1974). Despite their growing popularity in the U.S. - even touring with Billy Preston, Ramsey Lewis, Albert King, and KC & The Sunshine Band - Cymande received limited recognition in the UK during their original run. By 1974, due to lack of support and growing frustration, the band disbanded. However, Cymande's music experienced a renaissance in the 1980s and 1990s as hip-hop and rare groove scenes rediscovered their work. Their influence was reignited through sampling and reissues, and they gained a cult following. In 2014, after a 40-year hiatus, Cymande reunited with most of the original members and began performing live again. They released "A Simple Act Of Faith" (2015) - their first album in decades - showcasing their enduring sound and commitment to social and spiritual consciousness. In 2022, the acclaimed documentary "Getting It Back: The Story Of Cymande" premiered, chronicling their journey from overlooked pioneers to global cultural icons. The film highlighted not just their music, but also their resilience and contribution to Black British music history. In 2025, the band released the album “Renascence”. Cymande is now recognized as one of the most influential funk bands of the 1970s, celebrated for their timeless grooves, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and positive messages. Their music continues to inspire generations of musicians, producers, and fans around the world.