Hugh Mundell

The 1983 slaying of Hugh Mundell, who was gunned down inside a vehicle alongside Junior Reid, deprived reggae of one of its brightest emerging talents. His debut long-player, the Augustus Pablo-produced Africa Must Be Free By 1983, appeared in 1975 and has since stood as a landmark roots reggae statement. Commenting on the set, www.reggaeexpress.com observed, “[Mundell’s] singing style and soothing voice will lull you into tranquility if you let it.”

While still a teenager, Mundell collaborated with producer Joe Gibbs on the never-issued single “Where Is Natty Dread.” His initial opportunity arrived when Augustus Pablo recruited him to serve as a selector for the Rockers sound system. The first single issued under Mundell’s name, “Africa Must Be Free,” surfaced in early 1975. He also cut multiple 12-inch sides under the alias Jah Levi. From 1979 onward he assumed full production duties for his own work and helmed the debut album Speak the Truth by “Little” Junior Reid for Pablo’s Rocker imprint. A dub counterpart to Africa Must Be Free By 1983 reached stores in 1989.