Merger
Background information
Origin	England
Genres	Reggae
Years active	1977–1980
Labels	Sun-star Muzik Co, Bellaphon, President, Makasound
Past members	Barry Ford, Winston Bennett, Michael Dan, Tony Osei, Michael Osei, Ivor Steadman

Merger were an English reggae band of Jamaican/Ghanaian descent that formed in 1977 and lasted until 1980. Their name "Merger" comes from the fact that they blended reggae music with their other musical influences.^[1][2] Their debut album, Exiles Ina Babylon was released in the UK in 1977 at a time when many British reggae bands, such as Aswad and Steel Pulse, were popular.^[3] Politically, the band's songs addressed issues of racial injustice in Britain and other countries, but they rejected the Marcus Garvey idea that all black people should return to Africa.^[1]

Reception

• "The Jamaican/Ghanaian line up provided for a wide spectrum of reggae sounds. Merger's debut Exile In Babylon created a stir when released in 1977, critics deemed it too soft core, and felt it catered too much to the pop market." (Andrew Hamilton, Allmusic)^[1]
• "They integrated blues, soul, rock, funk and experimental influences in their musical efforts" (Teacher & Mr. T, Reggae Vibes)^[2]
• "Merger's reggae performance of "Soweto"... is a serious piece of polital pop, whose pretesting lyrics and skilful musicianship are more impressive than many of the fashion-rock bands" (Dr Ian Inglis, Popular Music And Television In Britain)^[4]
• "Led by the ever-so-soulful vocals of Barry Ford and the unusual deep voice of Michael Dan, with heavyweight compositions like "77" and "Understanding"" (Record Collector)^[3]
• "Merger created an experimental variation on the contemporary roots reggae formula and made many friends amongst those on the London gig circuit" (Dub Vendor)^[5]
• "At a time when the Iron Lady, Margaret Thatcher, boned socialism in English, "Exiles in Babylon" celebrates the fusion ( "merger" in English) of influences: reggae, punk, blues, jazz" (Reggae France)^[6]

Appearances

Merger appeared at the high-profile concert "The Picnic at Blackbushe" in 1978, alongside Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton and Joan Armatrading.^[7]

Members

• Barry Ford (guitar, vocals)
• Winston Bennett (guitar, vocals)
• Michael Dan (keyboards)
• Tony Osei (drums)
• Michael Osei (keyboards)
• Ivor Steadman (bass)

Discography

Albums

• Exiles In A Babylon (Sun-star Muzik Co, 1977)
• Armageddon Time (Bellaphon, 1980)
• Prisoner of Your Love (President, 1996)^[8]
• Exiles In A Babylon (re-issue, Makasound, 2009)

Singles

• "Seventy Seven" (CBS, 1979)
• "Biko" (Barclay, 1980)
• "Prisoner Of Your Love" / "You Are To Me" (Emergency, 1981)
• "Every Man Has A Woman Who Loves Him" (with Tchaï) (WEA, 1982)