AI-generated illustration; not a photograph of the reported event.
- calendar_today October 26, 2026
Reflecting on 'Reggae Against Racism'
David Hinds, the frontman of Steel Pulse, recently spoke about the motivations behind naming the band’s latest tour 'Reggae Against Racism'. Known for confronting social injustice since the band’s formation in the late 1970s, Steel Pulse chose this theme to bring conversations about racial issues to the forefront. Hinds explained that, while he may not know every local history, he recognizes the persistent global influence of racism, drawing parallels between places like Hawaii, the Caribbean, and communities worldwide.
Growing Up Amidst Racism in Birmingham
Hinds recalled his upbringing in Birmingham’s Handsworth district in the UK, a community composed largely of Caribbean and Asian immigrants. He described social separation that, while not legally enforced, was deeply ingrained. Experiences ranged from classmates declining Jamaican food at the family table to being subtly—and sometimes overtly—excluded from predominantly white neighborhoods. Hinds emphasized hearing about discrimination from his parents and siblings, who faced prejudice both at work and in school.
British and Global Contexts: From National Front to Ku Klux Klan
As Hinds grew older, he became aware of the links between British and American racial struggles. He recounted frequent marches by the far-right National Front in Birmingham and the tense confrontations that accompanied them. Over time, he noticed how British racism mirrored the American experience, especially after learning about figures such as Angela Davis, George Jackson, Malcolm X, and Martin Luther King Jr. He also referenced efforts by the Ku Klux Klan to forge connections with British extremists, as reported in grassroots Black newspapers.
Punk Rock Alliances and the Roots of the Tour
Hinds credited punk rockers for their support of immigrant communities and their opposition to the British status quo. According to him, the intersection of reggae and punk was pivotal, particularly during movements such as Rock Against Racism and the Anti-Nazi League. Steel Pulse performed at related festivals, joining a wave of musicians using their music to resist hate. The band’s current Reggae Against Racism tour continues that legacy, with Hinds noting that racism remains a pervasive problem not only in Britain and the US, but across Europe.
Meaning and Reception of the Tour
The tour has visited cities across the United States and is scheduled to conclude in Hawaii with performances at venues such as the Waikiki Shell, the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, and Kailua-Kona’s KBXtreme Premier Entertainment Center from October 23–25, 2026. Hinds expressed surprise and gratitude for the strong support received, particularly from audiences who resonated with the band’s message—even decades after some of Steel Pulse’s most iconic anti-racism songs were written.
The Message of Hope in Reggae Music
For Hinds, music remains a vital force for social change but must work alongside other platforms to inspire true harmony. He acknowledged reggae’s special role in voicing social and political injustices, citing influences like Bob Marley, Gil Scott-Heron, the Last Poets, and the Watts Prophets, who radicalized his outlook and songwriting. By performing in places with their own histories of colonialism and resistance, Steel Pulse hopes to inspire new voices—perhaps even new bands—committed to unity and the ongoing fight against racial injustice.
Source: hawaiireporter.com.
