The legendary Cimarons are true pioneers of British reggae, shaping the sound of the genre since 1967. The band was the first reggae group in Europe, founded in London by Jamaican musicians including guitarist Locksley Gichie and bassist Franklyn Dunn.

As the first UK-based reggae band to gain international recognition, they recorded countless songs for the iconic Trojan Records, laying the foundation for reggae’s rise in Europe.

Over the years, they have worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Bob Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Dennis Brown, Lee „Scratch” Perry, Toots Hibbert, and even Paul McCartney, who produced their 1981 album Reggaebility.

They were also the first UK reggae band to score a number one hit in Jamaica, with their version of Bob Marley’s “Talking Blues.” The Cimarons were the first reggae band to tour Africa, Japan, and many European countries.

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 and was presented at major documentary festivals in the UK, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Germany. It is now available on popular digital platforms.

Today, the Cimarons are still going strong, led by original members Franklyn Dunn (bass) and Locksley Gichie (guitar), alongside their powerful new singer Michael Arkk.

In June 2025, after 40 years, the Cimarons released their brand-new album Harder Than The Rock. The album was produced, recorded, and mixed by top reggae producer Roberto Sánchez at the renowned A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio in Spain. Harder Than The Rock is a deep and authentic roots reggae experience, with vibes that transport audiences straight to the heart of reggae’s golden era.

CIMARONS MEET LONE ARK – EXCLUSIVE PROJECT FOR SUMMER FESTIVALS 2026

Cimarons Meet Lone Ark is a unique collaboration uniting the Cimarons, Europe’s first reggae band, with Spanish roots visionary Roberto Sánchez (aka Lone Ark) and his acclaimed musicians, including the powerful Spanish horn section featured on many of his productions.

Together they present Harder Than the Rock (2025), a deep and authentic roots reggae album produced by Roberto Sánchez at A-Lone Ark Muzik Studio.

The project premiered in August 2025 on the Main Stage of Rototom Sunsplash Festival (Spain), drawing a massive audience and rave reviews – a true highlight of the festival.

The Guardian about Cimarons: https://t.ly/vo2_0