Cimarons – The Pioneers of UK Reggae
The legendary Cimarons are true pioneers of British reggae shaping the sound of the genre since the late 1960s. The band was the first reggae band in Europe and has been founded in London in 1967 by a group of Jamaican musicians including guitarist Locksley Gichie and bassist Franklyn Dunn.
As the first UK-based reggae band to gain international recognition, they recorded a countless number of songs for the iconic Trojan Records, laying the foundation for reggae’s rise in Europe.
Over the years, they’ve worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Bob Marley (who was grateful to the Cimarons as his forerunners in Europe, Asia, Africa and the UK), Jimmy Cliff, Dennis Brown, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Toots Hibbert, and even Paul McCartney, who was a producer of the album “Reggaebility”(1981).
Their incredible journey is captured in the documentary “Harder Than The Rock”, a must-see film that tells the untold story of the band’s impact on reggae and beyond. The documentary had over 100 screenings in UK Cinemas. The movie was presented on major docs festival in UK, Spain, France, Netherlands and Germany and it’s now available to watch on popular digital platforms.
Today, the spirit of Cimarons lives on under the guidance of its band leaders: Locksley Gichie and Franklyn Dunn who bring decades of experience, ensuring that the legacy of Cimarons continues to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape of reggae music.
Adding to the band’s dynamic lineup is new lead singer Michael Arkk, whose electrifying stage presence and soulful vocals have breathed new life into the Cimarons sound. With his powerful voice and magnetic charisma, Michael Arkk has seamlessly integrated into the band, infusing their performances with a renewed energy and vitality that captivates audiences wherever they go.
Cimarons have just released their brand-new album entitled same as the documentary: “Harder Than The Rock”. Released on 30th May 2025, “Harder Than The Rock” is a deep and authentic roots reggae experience taking listeners to the heart of reggae’s golden era. The album has been produced, recorded and mixed by Roberto Sánchez at the renowned A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio in Spain.
Infusing their sound with elements of rocksteady, roots reggae and ska, Cimarons created a distinctive and timeless sound that resonates across generations.
