BBC - Radio 3 - Womad2005

CULTURE (JAMAICA)

This year's WOMAD Rivermead has a heavy emphasis on the Caribbean and none come heavier than Culture. For the best part of 30 years, this trio have remained kings of roots reggae, the music of choice for every socially conscious (and herbally refreshed) Rastaman. Back in the latter half of the 1970s, the band was making as deep an impression as their compatriot Burning Spear.

The rasping, tougher-than-tough vocals of leader Joseph Hill helped define an era, calling out to the world about the harsh reality of living in gun-mad Kingston. And the world was listening - at this time, the trio found much favour among the reggae-devoted quarter of the UK punk movement. (Indeed, Joe Strummer was such a fan that it's been claimed - wrongly - that The Clash settled on their name in homage to Culture's monumental album of 1977, Two Sevens Clash.)

Their biggest hits - Poor Jah People, Tell Me Where You Get It, Two Sevens Clash's anthemic title track - remain cherished to this day. This is simply classic roots reggae, songs whose messages, not to mention supreme musicality, haven't lost a single drop of relevancy. Fashions in Jamaican music may change with a new moon, but the spiritual, timeless sound of Culture remains the truth, the light, the way.

Nige Tassell

Read other people's comments then

Tell us what you think:

Phillips B.
I listen to all his songs with great proud and inspirations, His songs bring shows the true reality of what we go throug around the world everyday. GOD, may his soul rest in perfect peace. Monrovia, Liberia

Ras Kwabena, Manchester
The demise of Culture,is but a litmus test as to whether reggae will continue to foster peace in this world of ours.Culture, as a prophet of Jah has done what Napoleon could not do.He united the world with his Jah inspired message.In stood right in the in footsteps of the legendly Bob Marley to popularise reggae.His death is a loss to the world as whole,and the rastafarian fraternity in particular.May his soul rest comfortably in the bossom of Jah.Long Live Reggae Music,LONG LIVE RASTA.

zizi cyrus liberia
as a true believer of reggae, it was with great sadness that i recieved the death news of joseph hill. he was simply a great man.may his music continue to give the down-trodden and oppressed the courage to go on.may jah bless his wife and family.

shlair, england
a great man has passed away who always talked and sang about peace, love and unity. jah love

GEORGE OTUOL MCOTUOL NAIROBI KENYA
This is a very very big blow to the Reggae fans and all the rastafarians in the world like I:: WE HAVE LOST ONE OF OUR HEROES MY mENTOR. THIS IS ONE OF THE VERY FEW REAL ACTIVISTS WE HAVE IN THIS CRAZY WORLD.we HAVE LOST A VERY IMPORTANT MAN ESPECIALLY US AFRICANS WHO HAVE BEEN ALL ALONG PERCIEVED TO BE INFIRIOR,HIS MAGESTY THE GREAT JOSEPH HILL HAS FINALLY LEFT US HE HAS FOR ALL HIS LIFE STOOD FIRM FOR THE LESSEND THROUGH HIS GROUP THE MIGHTY CULTURE. ‘MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEASE’

olli, germany
Culture is culture, joseph lives again in their music I love culture, roots and culture music is for the mind and the heart respect peace and love for all people......

Agabus, Accra
Joe is a reggae prophet

George Otuol Mcotuol Nairobi Kenya
I love mighty culture especially JOSEPH HILL for his powerfull messages and wonderfull voice and wisdom but not forgetinng the only afriocan hero after Haile Salasie, Prophet Lucky Dube who speak for the voiceless in Africa

Queen Amritha
As far InI remind I first meeting whith Culture. InI feel Iré & Happy The Joseph's positive vibes still lighting InI life! Jahtection & Love & Inity.!!!

mandela, Georgia
Thanks for your inspiring message of Love,Equality,Peace.Jah guide & Bless ya.One Love!!!!!!

tomiko machingura, maryland
Giving all praises to H.I.M. who created us JAH. Joseph Hill and Culture is one of the best reggae bands around no one else can compare. I must say I have love for the Burning Spear also but Joseph goes the extra mile.

nii otan collison,ireland
he is a prophet of our generation,if we've being lucky to have father Joe like some leaders in every nation then i say the world would be a better place to leave.

mambu yves, kinshasa
culture is still keep the origial reggae music, don't change please, don't follow that bad rap music.

Jonas Valentinson, Sweden
Very good initiative to send Culture's music over Internet.

Nabieu Holland
I allways have the massage form father JOSEPH HILL and CULTURE i will love to have more new music form u father JAH BLESS U love form Nabieu TuraY

thabang south africa
i love culture he is my daily inspiration

Justin, San Diego Ca
We need more postive groups like culture. Just truths and rights and unity is how culture brings it. I woldn't miss a show!!peace

iRon Lion,Virginia
good vibes always,love to hear the oneness of CULTURE!Rastafari Lives! some of my favorites in this set list!

Ras Kwaku Zion,Alexandria USA
Jah guidance and protection continually be on culture for the years to come.

Greg Ward, Harrisonburg, VA
Much respect to Joseph and the whole crew...big up! The show sounds great. Word, sound, and power, you all are doing JAH works, bringing this top notch performance to the people. Thanks. -Greg Ward

Steve Toolis
Mighty Culture!! This was the highlight of the festival, long live Culture and WOMAD!

Alicita_
This are the type of people and music i love to listen to.Its move me.Ileave in USA.

Steve, Chester UK
Can we hear the gig again? Please?

sarby, london
loved Culture - hit after hit. more roots reggae at WOMAD please.