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Monyaka, an American reggae band formed in Brooklyn, New York, was founded in 1974 by guitarist/singer Errol Moore as the Soul Supersonics. The original members were from Jamaica and spent most of their early years backing up visiting reggae stars. In 1977, they established their own record label, Hevyaka, and released their first single "Rocking Time" and album Classical Roots. After renaming to Monyaka (Swahili for "good luck"), the band released "Stand Up Strong" in 1982. Their breakthrough came with the follow-up single "Go Deh Yaka (Go To The Top)", which reached Number 14 on the UK charts and Number 48 on the Billboard Dance Music/Club Play Singles chart. Monyaka's album Reggaenomics was released in 1984, featuring the track "Reggaematic Funk", which peaked at Number 83 in the UK. The band is highly respected for their role in promoting the Brooklyn reggae sound and were a sought-after backing band during the late 1970s and early 1980s, supporting artists such as Dennis Brown, Burning Spear, Black Uhuru, Marcia Griffiths, The Mighty Diamonds, Culture, The Meditations, Ken Boothe, Steel Pulse, Peter Tosh, and Jimmy Cliff.
