Light of the World

Light of the World stands as a cornerstone of the British Brit-funk movement that emerged in the late 1970s. Formed in North London, the group was heavily influenced by American acts like Kool & The Gang and Roy Ayers, but they infused these influences with a distinctively British urban sensibility.

Their sound identity is built upon a foundation of slap-bass funk, syncopated percussion, and a high-caliber brass section featuring Kenny Wellington and David Baptiste. The group's career arc is notable for its fragmentation and influence; members frequently spun off into other influential projects, most notably Jean-Paul 'Bluey' Maunick's Incognito and the brass-heavy Beggar & Co. Critically, they are recognized for elevating the technical standard of UK soul, moving away from simple imitation toward a sophisticated jazz-funk hybrid. Their 1980 album 'Round Trip' is often cited by collectors and historians as a high-water mark for the genre, blending disco-adjacent rhythms with avant-garde jazz textures. They remain a vital reference point for crate diggers and fans of the 'London Sound'.