Born in Linstead, St.Catherine Jamaica, on January 22 ,1947 was a boy named Joseph Hill. He went on to form his own roots reggae group which we know globally as simply “Culture”. Joseph was the lead singer and songwriter and formed the group with Albert Walker and Kenneth Dayes in 1976.
Like most artistes growing up in a christian orientated home, the church is where Hill got his exposure to music, as early as age six year old. Conversely it was after Joseph left his family home that he became a Rastafarian faith.
As early as in 1977 the group generated quite a buzz with the release of hit songs “Two Sevens Clash”which Rolling Stone dubbed in 2002 as among the “50 Coolest Records” and also their “Stop the fussing and fighting” track that highlighted the violence due to political tensions during the late 1970s, as well as the failed attempt at Bob Marley’s life.
Lead singer and founder of “Culture” group got tremendous fame and recognition on this day in history April 22, 1978 when the group performed at the Bob Marley “One Love Peace Concert ” held at the National Stadium in Kingston, Jamaica.
IMAGE OF JOSEPH HILL AND BOB MARLEY BELOW:
Other young performers that took the major opportunity included Jacob Miller, lead singer for the Inner Circle Band, a young Dennis Brown, while Peter Tosh delivered one of his most powerful performances coupled with a moving message that had the crowd captivated by issues involving politics and the legalization of ganja.
Upon delivering his performance , many new avenues opened up for Culture as they toured the world stopping at places such as United States of America, Europe and Africa.
This acted as a great foundation for Mr Hill as he will go down as undoubtedly one of the most toured entertainers where it is said that before his passing he did at lease one hundred shows per year around the world.
Joseph Hill went on to obtain numerous distinctions including being added to the Jamaican Reggae Walk of Fame. Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, The Most Honourable P.J Patterson also granted a Independence Award to Mr Hill to show how appreciated he is in the reggae industry. For his contribution to Jamaican music he also was the recipient of the Culture Shock Bronze Medal in 2005.
Joseph Hill passed away on Saturday August 19, 2006, in Berlin Germany from a sudden heart attack. He was 57 years old at the time of death.
The late reggae icon’s son Kenyatta Hill has picked up the mantle and now plays the role his father once held in the “Culture” group and let us hope the fire will keep burning bright.
LIVE PERFORMANCE OF JOSEPH HILL: