1. A roots regg… Read Full Bio ↴There are at least two artists that have used this name:
1. A roots reggae band from Jamaica
2. A straight edge metalcore band from Florida, US
1. Culture was a Jamaican roots reggae group founded in 1976. Originally they were known as the African Disciples.
The members of the trio were Joseph Hill (lead vocals), Albert Walker (backing vocals) and Kenneth Dayes (backing vocals).
Shortly after Culture came together, they began working with the "Mighty Two" – producer Joe Gibbs and engineer Errol Thompson. While at Gibbs’ studio, they recorded a series of powerful singles, many of which ended up on their debut album ‘Two Sevens Clash’. After their success with Gibbs, the group went on to make a string of albums for producer Sonia Pottinger. Culture began working with some of the premier musicians of the day including Robbie Shakespeare, Sly Dunbar, Ansel Collins, Cedric Brooks and the ever-present percussionist Sticky. Virgin Records picked up the albums, and that added distribution enabled Culture to gain an even larger following outside of Jamaica.
Critically considered one of the most authentic traditional reggae acts, at the time of the first Rolling Stone Record Guide publication, they were the only band of any genre whose every recording received a five-star review (of bands with more than one recording in the guide).
In 1982 the three singers went their own ways. Hill carried on using the Culture name, and recorded the Lion Rock album, which was released in the United States by Heartbeat Records. For their part, Walker and Dayes recorded a handful of songs on their own – a few of which turned up on an album titled Roots & Culture. In 1986 the original line-up reformed to record two highly regarded albums – Culture in Culture and Culture at Work. These releases marked the beginning of a very busy period for the group, including annual albums and countless tours. The U.S. label Shanachie released a steady stream of new and old Culture albums up to Wings Of A Dove in 1992.
Joseph Hill, who came to symbolize the face of Culture, died in Germany on 19 August 2006 while the group was on tour. His son, Kenyatta Hill, now is the lead singer.
2) Classic mid/late 90s hardcore from Florida, celebrated for, among a handful of others, helping to cultivate the burgeoning metallic hardcore sound that became synonymous with the era.
CULTURE was known for aggressive social/political/ecological commentary, cautionary tales of reckless consumerism and industrial sprawl, and advocacy of the straightedge lifestyle.
Former members went on to Morning Again, Terror, As Friends Rust, Shai Hulud, Throwdown, Blood Has Been Shed and (most recently) ON BODIES.
In 2012, CULTURE played its first show since disbanding in 1998 (The Reel & Restless Fest in Miami, Florida). This fall, in August of 2013, the band will revisit Europe for Belgium's famed Ieper Hardcore Festival, and will then play three dates in Japan, including Tokyo's Bloodaxe Fest.
Members included:
Rich Thurston (Guitar: 1993-1997, Bass: 1993, Vocals: 1993, Drums: 1996)
Josh Williams (Drums: 1993-1997)
Stan Obal (Bass: 1993)
Mark Mitchell (Vocals: 1993, Vocals: 1996)
Pete Carreno (Bass: 1994)
John Wylie (Guitar: 1994-1995)
Damien Moyal (Vocals: 1994-1995, Vocals: 1997-1998)
Gordon Tarpley (Bass: 1995-1997, Guitar: 1998)
Louie Long (Vocals: 1995)
Anthony Conte (Vocals: 1995)
Steve Looker (Guitar: 1996-1997)
Jason Dooley (Drums: 1997)
Timothy Kirkpatrick (Drums: 1997-1998)
Joe Simmons (Guitar:1997-1998)
Floyd Beckham (Bass: 1998)
Kenneth Brian (Guitar: 1998)
Humble African
Culture Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm on this land, I trouble no one
my desire is to make no problem with no one
non-interference, non-political
no matter what you do, I see: I'm blind; and hear: I'm deaf
I'm a humble african, passing through babylon
I'm a humble african, some said I'm a rastaman
I'm a humble african, yeah
These little hands and simple fingers that I have
they were not made to pinch nor tear, you hear?
but to move in deeds of kindness, you see?
and to fold in thoughts of prayer to help my brother pray for the betterment of his life, yeah! oh yeah.
it's better to have a friend than to need one
it's better to find a friend than to be in need
lift up your brother, don't you put him down
one hand wash the other... pongo and paki come
I'm a humble african, I was born to love my brother
I'm a humble african, united i must be
I'm a humble african, no matter what they say
I'm a humble african
my forefathers came here from the days of slaves.
i work until my skin start to strip.
and to every time i speak for my justice,
yes someone to name me disagreeable still.
i pray the day will come when we all have peace and inity.
no more chasing one another without humanity.
i pray the day will come that we all share what we have and show the people of the love that we have to give. let them know!
I'm a humble african, nothing but unity inside
I'm a humble african, Jah stand for us all
I'm a humble african, let me beat my drum inna babylon
I'm a humble african, Jah you know who I am!
I'm a humble african
In Culture's song "Humble African", the artist talks about his desire to live peacefully and not cause any problems with others. He claims to be a "non-interference, non-political" person who is blind and deaf to others' actions in order to avoid conflict. He also talks about his humble nature and how he was born to love his brothers, emphasizing the importance of unity and helping one another. He describes his hands as being meant for kindness and prayer, rather than violence, and encourages others to lift each other up instead of tearing them down.
The song can be interpreted as a plea for peace and unity, especially among Africans. The artist seems to be acknowledging the struggles of his ancestors, who were brought to the Americas as slaves, by highlighting the need for kindness and brotherhood. He also emphasizes the importance of finding and being a friend, rather than being in need, and encourages others to work towards a more peaceful and loving world.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm on this land, I trouble no one
I am living here peacefully and do not cause problems for anyone.
my desire is to make no problem with no one
I do not want to create trouble or conflict with anyone.
non-interference, non-political
I do not get involved with politics or interfere with others' lives.
no matter what you do, I see: I'm blind; and hear: I'm deaf
I do not judge, criticize or blame anyone. I am neutral to whatever happens around.
I'ma humble african, trouble no one
I am a humble African who causes no trouble.
These little hands and simple fingers that I have
I have limited physical abilities and resources to work with.
they were not made to pinch nor tear, you hear?
I am not meant to harm or hurt anyone.
but to move in deeds of kindness, you see?
I am meant to help others positively.
and to fold in thoughts of prayer to help my brother pray for the betterment of his life, yeah! oh yeah.
I pray that my brothers and sisters find peace, love and freedom in their lives.
it's better to have a friend than to need one
Having a friend is more valuable than just needing one.
it's better to find a friend than to be in need
Finding a friend is more satisfying than being in need of one.
lift up your brother, don't you put him down
We should support and encourage our brothers and sisters rather than criticizing them.
one hand wash the other... pongo and paki come
We should help one another and work together. Pongo and Paki are African names representing the people.
I'm a humble african, united i must be
As a humble African, I am committed to being united with my people.
my forefathers came here from the days of slaves.
My ancestors were brought here as slaves.
i work until my skin start to strip.
I work tirelessly, until my skin peels off.
and to every time i speak for my justice,
I always advocate for justice when I speak.
yes someone to name me disagreeable still.
Some people may still disagree with me even though I advocate for justice.
i pray the day will come when we all have peace and inity.
I hope that one day, we all find peace and unity.
no more chasing one another without humanity.
I hope that we will stop treating each other with cruelty.
i pray the day will come that we all share what we have and show the people of the love that we have to give. let them know!
I hope that we will share our resources and love with one another, so that everyone knows how much they are valued.
I'm a humble african, Jah stand for us all
As a humble African, I believe that God stands with us all.
let me beat my drum inna babylon
I will express myself and my culture even in a foreign land.
Jah you know who I am!
God, you know who I am and what I stand for.
Writer(s): Wade Everal Brammer, Lynford Marshall, Paul Kastick, Wade Brammer, Joseph Hill, Robbie Lyn, Colin York Copyright: Greensleeves Publishing Limited, Tafari Music Inc., Dubplate Music Publishers Ltd.
Contributed by Tyler T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Ra’s Israel
Culture we are going home to the promise land, from Iran to Israel, from Israel to Egypt, from Egypt to Sudan , from Sudan to Mali , fighting wars and taking the Kingdom as Ghana empire to the promise land which was Gold Coast today Ghana.
@maxwellacklen2419
In you are reading this comment in the year 2080, know that am writing this comment in the year 2023 to let you know how much we loved these songs during our life time. They were master pieces which United all Africans in diaspora and back home in Africa. We fought hard for a United States of Africa, to have a borderless Africa, one president and currency which will be backed by Africa's mineral resources. These songs gave us hope and future....I hope you are enjoying that the fruits of our straggle now. The fight is never ending, safe guard the sovereignty of Africa and white neocolonialism. Jah guide.
@JamesB-op6tq
Selah born black from Malawi Africa👊
@thomasedudzi1613
Born African from Ghana, Africa
@caseyndubuisi4321
we LOVE African. AM A STRONG AFRICAN MAN AND PROUD. WE MUST BE ONE. IT MAY NOT BE NOW
@KmtNubian94
❤️💛💚
@fredndeka4053
Am one from Kenya
@mandlamakhabane4829
Im South African i didn't know this song it was recommended n i enjoyed it. Black people are peaceful people
@THANEWTRIBE
We Kenyans do love Jamaican music!! This fall i am headed to Jamaica how cool is that!!
@Awwehness
Hope u had a awesome trip