This excellent vocal trio was formed with the goal of being recognized as a prophetic-visionary trio and from the beginning of their career — in the 70s, Culture influenced the Jamaican struggle to pursue the goal: to rise in peace and fight oppression. At the head of the trio is the main composer and leader, Joseph Hill, who began his career as a solo singer and guitarist. Culture was formed in 1976 in St. Catherine Parish, where Hill was born and raised. Together with cousins Albert Walker and Roy Sylvester Dayes, he formed his first group, the African Disciples, in the same year. Dayes adopted the name Kenneth to honor an old friend, Kenneth Richards. Soon after, the trio caught the attention of producer Joe Gibbs, who invited them to an audition at his studio, where the three sang several songs.
Most of them written by Hill, who had begun composing melodies from the age of 14. It was a powerful session and Gibbs took the songs without signing a contract with the group. Among the songs included in that audition were "Get Ready to Ride the Lion to Zion", "Two Sevens Clash", "Calling Rasta For I". Songs that would later be included on the trio's first two albums, along with "Baldhead Bridge" and "Love Shines Brighter". Eventually they left Gibbs.
The first album, Two Sevens Clash, was released the following year. The label had already hosted great artists, such as Sly Dunbar, Robbie Shakespeare, Bingy Bunny, Bobby Marquis, and others. Bingy Bunny and Blacka Morewell were responsible for the name change (Disciples - Culture). The album was released at a time when reggae music was at some crossroads. This was one of the factors that led to new directions, and for Culture, that direction meant seeking more militant political messages. An example of this can be noted on the title track of the album released by Heartbeat in 1982 — Lion Rock, a true call to Jamaican-Africans to fight for their roots, leaving aside the culture imposed by the colonialists.
But being militant did not make Culture a trio advocating violence as a means of change. As main composer, Joseph Hill draws inspiration from many things. From political facts to moments of meditation in rural environments, where he usually appreciates the sounds of nature. The charismatic vocalist Joseph Hill passed away on August 19, 2006, a sad day for reggae worldwide.
To continue Culture's journey, his son Kenyatta Hill took over the vocals and the band has been keeping Joseph's legacy and that of the legendary band strong, with a strong track record of work alongside great names in reggae music.