London’s jazz-funk trailblazers whose infectious grooves and musical sophistication helped shape the Brit-funk and acid jazz movements.
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Light of the World are a pioneering British jazz-funk band from London whose vibrant blend of funk, soul and jazz helped define the sound of late-1970s and early-1980s Brit-funk. Formed in 1978, the group’s name was inspired by Kool & The Gang’s Light of Worlds, reflecting both their groove-driven ethos and their mission to illuminate the UK music scene with a new kind of rhythmic sophistication. The original line-up included Jean-Paul “Bluey” Maunick, Everton McCalla, Paul “Tubbs” Williams, Neville “Breeze” McKreith, Chris Etienne, Peter “Stepper” Hinds, Kenny Wellington and David “Baps” Baptiste — musicians whose technical brilliance and infectious energy made the band a force on stage and in the studio.
Their debut self-titled album (1979) and follow-up Round Trip (1981) brought jazz-funk to the mainstream with singles such as “Swingin’”, “I Shot the Sheriff” and “I’m So Happy/Time”, marking a high point in British dance music’s evolution. Beyond their chart success, Light of the World laid the foundation for a new generation of UK acts, influencing everything from acid jazz to modern soul. Decades later, the band continue to perform and record, their legacy shining brightly as pioneers who turned rhythm and groove into an enduring art form.
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