Hugh Mundell

With the tragic murder of Hugh Mundell, who was shot and killed while sitting in a car with Junior Reid, in 1983, reggae lost one of its most promising young performers. Mundell's 1975 debut album, Africa Must Be Free By 1983, produced by Augustus Pablo, remains a classic roots reggae recording. In a review of the album, www.reggaeexpress.com wrote, "[Mundell's] singing style and soothing voice will lull you into tranquility if you let it." Mundell was still a teenager when he teamed with influential producer Joe Gibbs to record a still-unreleased single, "'Where Is Natty Dread." His first break came when he was hired as a DJ for Augustus Pablo's Rockers sound system. His debut single, "Africa Must Be Free," was released in early 1975. Mundell also recorded several 12" singles as Jah Levi. Beginning in 1979, Mundell took over the production of his own recordings. He also produced the debut album, Speak the Truth, by "Little" Junior Reid, on Pablo's label, Rocker. A dub version of Africa Must Be Free By 1983 was released in 1989. ~ Craig Harris