Culture, 24 August @ The Jazz Cafe, LONDON.
The reggae community worldwide has been shocked and deeply saddened to hear about the recent passing away of legendary vocalist, Joseph Hill. Hill was a true pioneer and an incredibly talented and powerful reggae vocalist and artist. The band and family announced they would carry on with the remainder of the current tour, with Joseph's son, Kenyatta, and original members Albert Walker and Telford Nelson, sharing lead vocal duties - as they believe Joseph would have wanted.
This was the first gig to take place without Joseph and it was obviously in total tribute to the man and the legacy he has left. So it was with mixed emotions that we arrived at the Jazz Cafe. We arrived in the middle of a set by the support act of the night, Nasio Fontaine and his six-piece band. They delivered a great set - the band was tight and Fontaine was a fantastic performer - both energetic and passionate. Fontaine is a class act and obviously a lead performer himself.
After a short filler set from Trojan Soundsystem, the crew took to the stage - a five piece band - two keys, drums and bass - with Kenyatta, Albert Walker and Telford Nelson at the centre. From the start Kenyatta announced the significance of the show and spoke emotionally about his father, the huge contribution he made to the reggae world, and the homage that this show would be to him, to which the crowd responded wholeheartedly.
It really was a truly emotional and inspirational performance from the whole crew, as they tore threw some of the bands' classic numbers. Stand-out tracks for me were I'm Not Ashamed, Two Sevens Clash and See Them A Come.
Kenyatta Hill - in what would have been an incredibly hard and painful time for him - gave a fantastic performance. He is a very talented vocalist in his own right, and had a great stage presence. Albert Walker and Telford Nelson were also brilliant - it was amazing to witness these two legends in the flesh and experience their amazing talent and presence. They showed the true professionals that they are by giving such a strong performance under such emotional and difficult circumstances.
All up it was an incredible show and I felt blessed to have been a part of the experience, in remembrance of one of the reggae greats. Much love and respect to Joseph Hill and Culture.
Comments
I no Father Joseph hill is still a life for me i no kenyatta will still pass the message on to we
I just love him, he was the best there is, and the best there will ever be, I saw him four times, the last was in montreal,I have him as my screen saver on my phone and my computer. I am sooooo glad i did took some picture of him, i will keep these for life.
Jay Jay Miller
Toronto Canada
A true messenger send by god; keep on singing in zion""
...Joseph hill was a great icon in the lives of many!! we will continue to be inspired by his music till the end of time....
Add a comment