As a child actor in the children's television series, Here Come the Double Deckers. He also starred as Wesley in the popular British sitcom, Please Sir!, and also in the feature film of the same series in 1971. He also appeared in the James Bond film, Diamonds Are Forever, as well as in The Georgian House and Goodbye Charlie Brite. His performance in the cult hit film Babylon (directed by Franco Rosso), was recently revisited by the British Film Institute and is being aired on the BBC.
Aswad was formed in West London in 1974 with Brinsley fronting the original five piece on both vocals and rhythm guitar.
The group quickly became recognized among reggae fans for their rich melodies and compelling harmonies, woven over hard rhythm tracks and later inspired horn riffs. Aswad first gained national attention in 1976 when their debut single release Back To Africa hit #1 in the UK Reggae Charts’
Aswad earned international acclaim with their reggae version of Don’t Turn Around, a song previously covered by both Luther Ingram and Tina Turner. Don’t Turn Around, released on Island in 1988, went to #1 on the UK National charts and was the most-played record on French radio.
Aswad has toured extensively, playing to packed houses ranging from London’s Royal Albert Hall, Montego Bay’s Reggae Sunsplash to venues in Africa, Israel and Japan. They have also headlined numerous international events Rock in Rio festival and Nelson Mandela’s 70th Birthday concert celebration including help a London child attended by Princess Diana.
In 2000 Aswad received the prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Black Music at the fifth Mobo Awards.
Brinsley’s screen presence has also enabled him to carve a niche for himself as a music presenter. As VJ /VH-1’s Soul Vibrations he play-listed and scripted his own shows, introducing many R&B Hip Hop and early Reggae videos to TV for the first time.
Brinsley presented the BBC television magazine show Ebony, followed by a second series Ebony on the Road where Brinsley & co presenters went reporting on location.
