Culture

Jamaican Reggae Legends Culture Return to Nebraska

Sept. 27, 2001

The reggae group Culture, fronted by singer/songwriter Joseph Hill, will
make its third Lincoln appearance on Saturday, October 13th at the Royal
Grove Nite Club, following well attended shows at The Royal Grove and
Knickerbockers last year. Culture is touring in support of its latest
release, Humble African (VP Records).

Culture was formed in Kingston, Jamaica in 1976 by Joseph Hill, along with
his cousin Albert Walker. Singer Kenneth Dayes soon joined the original
trio, who were known briefly as the African Disciples, but soon changed
their name to Culture. In 1977, the group recorded what would be one of
reggae's landmark albums and songs, Two Sevens Clash. As Culture biographer
Jim Dooley has explained, "The importance of this album as both music and
social commentary cannot be understated. The impact and popularity of the
title track alone was felt in both Jamaica and England. At the time, many
punks in the U.K. claimed that albums such as Two Sevens Clash shared their
sense of alienation and urgency and influenced the work they were doing."
Members of The Clash and Sex Pistols in particular were strongly influenced
by the work of Culture.

While the relationship with producer Joe Gibbs was short lived, it gave the
group a platform on which to launch a lasting and substantial career in the
reggae business. During its late 70s heydey, the group played the historic
One Love Peace concert in Jamaica and toured Europe, where they were widely
received and even featured on the cover of New Musical Express in the
summer of 78. In 1979 and 1980, the group recorded for Sonia Pottinger's
High Note label and saw its work released by U.K. giant Virgin Records. In
1982, the trio disbanded and Joseph Hill recorded a solo album under the
Culture name.

In 1986, Culture reformed to record Culture In Culture and Culture at Work.
They have recorded steadily since reforming, with Hill as the identifiable
frontman of the group. Kenneth Dayes left the group for good in 1992.

Hill's voice can be heard on songs with the great deejay Prince Fari
(Under Heavy Manners), and Hill's percussion rings through on "Babylon System"
from Bob Marley's Survival album. All three original members of Culture
have worked with former Black Uhuru lead singer Don Carlos.

Culture toured extensively in the late 90s and has earned a reputation,
alongside Burning Spear, as one of reggae's best live acts.

Admission to the 9 p.m. performance at the Royal Grove is $15.00.



For more information, call 402-474-2332 or 402-477-8010.