African Head Charge

About

African Head Charge: the hallucinatory soundclash where dub reggae, psychedelic experimentation, and the ancient rhythms of Africa collide. Conceived in the early '80s by percussion maestro Bonjo Iyabinghi Noah and Adrian Sherwood, the On-U Sound collective's mastermind, African Head Charge is less a band and more a sonic laboratory. Their sound is a dense, layered tapestry woven from tribal drums, echoing vocals, distorted instrumentation, and Sherwood’s signature dub production techniques. Imagine King Tubby tripping on peyote in the heart of the Serengeti. Fueled by improvisation and a shared love of global sounds, early albums like "My Life in a Hole in the Ground" and "Environmental Studies" established their unique aesthetic – a swirling, immersive experience that felt both deeply rooted and utterly futuristic. They were pioneers of a sound that anticipated world music fusion long before it became a genre staple. Though personnel has shifted over the years, the core mission remains: to conjure sonic landscapes that transport listeners beyond the confines of their reality. Their influence can be heard in the work of countless artists pushing the boundaries of electronic and experimental music. Despite facing periods of relative inactivity, African Head Charge continues to sporadically release albums and tour, proving their unwavering commitment to their singular vision. Their recent work continues to explore the sonic potential of their unique blend, ensuring their legacy as innovators remains secure.