Cactus: The Rise and Fall of a Reggae Specialist Label in the 1970s

Introduction to Cactus Records

Cactus Records was a prominent reggae specialist label that thrived in the 1970s. However, the story of Cactus is not just about its success but also its eventual decline. Let's explore the history of this record label, its hit songs, and the reasons behind its limited success on the radio.

The Rise of Cactus Records

One of the earliest hits from the Cactus label was 'Ire Feelings Skanga,' which was released by Rupie Edwards and made it to number 9 in 1974. This success was quickly followed by more hits in the subsequent year. Judge Dread’s reggaefied version of 'Je T’Aime' reached number 9, while Desmond Dekker's re-released 'Israelites,' previously a hit in 1969, peaked at number 10.

Impact and Influence

The Cactus label had a significant impact on the reggae genre in the 1970s. Its ability to produce and promote quality reggae music contributed to the evolution of the genre. The success of the songs mentioned above not only brought attention to the label but also to the artists and the broader reggae community.

Cactus's Relation to Other Albums and Groups

While Cactus Records had several successful singles, the group known as Cactus, which is distinct from the record label, had their own remarkable second album titled 'One Way or Another.' This album, in my opinion, was one of their best works to date. However, despite being a talented and highly-regarded group, Cactus did not achieve significant radio success.
One possible reason for their limited exposure is that Cactus only released a few studio albums. In my personal opinion, 'One Way or Another' was an excellent album, but the group did not produce any hit songs that garnered widespread recognition. Some of their music was played on early FM stations during the early 1970s, but this was the extent of their radio presence.

Conclusion

While Cactus Records played a pivotal role in the development of reggae music in the 1970s, the story of the Cactus group is one of a talented ensemble that did not achieve the same level of success on the radio. Their destiny seemed to lie in producing excellent music rather than becoming radio stars. The Cactus label will always be remembered for its contributions to reggae music, but the failure to produce hit songs left its mark on the group's legacy.