Musical Youth is a British-Jamaican reggae band, best known for their successful 1982 hit single "Pass the Dutchie," which became a global phenomenon and introduced the world to the vibrant sounds of British reggae fusion. The band formed in 1979 in Birmingham, England, originally as a quintet of two sets of brothers, Kelvin and Michael Grant, and Junior, Patrick, and Freddie Waite. The band members were all very young teens and even pre-teens at the time of their greatest success, hence the name "Musical Youth."

Their career skyrocketed after the release of "Pass the Dutchie," which was a playful reworking of the Mighty Diamonds' "Pass the Kouchie" with the lyrics altered to remove references to drug use. Not only was the song a hit in the UK, where it reached number 1 on the UK Singles Chart, but it also achieved a substantial following internationally, reaching the top 10 in the United States. The band's sound was a unique blend of pop and reggae, and they gained popularity with their positive lyrics and vibrant rhythms. Despite their early success, the band's popularity waned, and they went through several break-ups and reunions. Nonetheless, they left an indelible mark on the music scene with their youthful energy and catchy hits. Anthologies and various versions of their iconic song "Pass the Dutchie" have since been released, capitalizing on the nostalgic love for the group's most famous track.

Genres

Uk Reggae

Related Artists

UB40

Steel Pulse

Inner Circle

Culture Club

Jimmy Cliff

Maxi Priest

Bob Marley & The Wailers

Aswad

Eddy Grant

Shaggy

Boney M.

The Specials

Latest Release

Pass The Dutchie

Musical Youth

Single - Released July 14, 2023