Cymande is a British band known for blending funk, soul, reggae, jazz fusion, Afrobeat, and Caribbean musical influences. Formed in London in the early 1970s by musicians of Caribbean heritage, the group developed a distinctive sound that combined rhythmic grooves with rich melodies and socially conscious themes.

The band's career began with their self-titled debut album Cymande (1972), which featured standout tracks such as "Bra," "The Message," and "Zion I." They followed it with acclaimed albums including Second Time Round (1973) and Promised Heights (1974), earning recognition as one of the most innovative acts on the British funk scene. Although the group achieved only modest commercial success during its original run, their music gained legendary status through extensive sampling by hip-hop artists including De La Soul, The Fugees, Gang Starr, Wu-Tang Clan, MC Solaar, and many others. After reuniting in the 2010s, Cymande released A Simple Act of Faith (2015) and Renascence (2025), demonstrating that their timeless sound continues to resonate with new generations of listeners.

What makes Cymande unique is their seamless fusion of funk, jazz, reggae, Afro-Caribbean rhythms, and spiritual influences into a warm, deeply rhythmic musical style. Their work has had a lasting impact on hip-hop, neo-soul, jazz, and electronic music, and they are now widely regarded as one of the most influential and respected cult bands in modern music history.