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Kenyatta Hill’s musical journey began the day his father’s ended. In 2006, when Joseph Hill, singer and songwriter of the legendary Jamaican vocal trio Culture, collapsed and tragically passed away while on tour in Europe, Kenyatta stepped in. He bravely completed the tour, performing 19 shows with electrifying energy, much to the amazement of promoters, fans, and critics alike. His performances were nothing short of extraordinary, and the incredible similarity of their voices and vibes ignited audiences and critics, creating a new reggae mantra: “magic, not tragic.”
Influenced by the dancehall movement but grounded in the roots tradition, Kenyatta was driven to continue his father’s legacy. He began writing his own music while completing the songs Joseph had started. His debut single, Daddy (Tafari Records), produced by Lynford “Fatta” Marshall and backed by renowned musicians like Sly Dunbar and Dean Fraser, addressed the emotional turmoil Kenyatta faced after the loss of his father. The single resonated deeply with audiences, as it mirrored the grief felt in his live performances.
In 2007, Kenyatta released his debut album Pass the Torch, which received high praise from long-time Culture fans and critics alike. The album’s “lovely and high-level vibe” led one fan to declare, “Culture is ALIVE.” The album cemented Kenyatta as not only the son of Joseph Hill but as a talented artist in his own right, carrying the torch of reggae music with pride.
For many years, Kenyatta performed alongside original Culture founding member Albert Walker and long-time harmony singer Telford Nelson, thrilling audiences with the classic sounds of the legendary trio. However, in recent years, both Walker and Nelson have left the group to pursue solo projects. Now, Kenyatta fronts The Culture Band, alongside the original musicians who played with Joseph Hill, continuing to uphold the spirit and energy of the legendary band.
Culture’s legacy is undeniable, with their iconic album Two Sevens Clash (Shanachie) still regarded as one of the greatest reggae albums of all time. The album was listed by Rolling Stone magazine as #25 of the "50 Coolest Records" and remains an infectious dance-floor filler to this day. The New York Times recognized Culture as the leading exponent of conscious reggae, a label that Joseph Hill’s devotion to purity, simplicity, and justice continues to uphold through Kenyatta’s performances.
Upholding the standards set by his father, Kenyatta has written conscious music and performed both in the U.S. and internationally. He has shared the stage with some of reggae’s biggest names, including Beres Hammond on tours in 2009 and 2010. In 2011, he released Live On, a tribute to Joseph Hill and Culture, where Kenyatta performed fresh renditions of the band’s classic compositions. With the support of Donovan Germain, head of Penthouse Records, Kenyatta continues to re-record and perform his father’s music for a new generation of reggae fans.
Kenyatta has also pursued solo projects and collaborations, with his 2014 release Riddim of Life receiving critical acclaim. His most recent single, Policeman (Honest Music), features collaborations with Akae Beka and Puma Ptah of Thievery Corporation. Kenyatta has continued to tour extensively, especially in the UK and Europe, where Culture remains a beloved name. In 2017, he celebrated the 40th anniversary of Two Sevens Clash with a special tour.
Today, Kenyatta Hill & The Culture Band carry on the legacy of Joseph Hill, bringing the classic Culture sound to new generations of fans around the world. With the original musicians and Kenyatta’s dynamic leadership, Culture is indeed alive—its message of hope, redemption, and unity continues to resonate in every performance.
Check out one of Kenyatta Hill's hit songs with over 500 thousand views: Watch here, and experience one of his his powerful performances alongside The Culture Band: Watch here.
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