Originally released in 2000 by VP Records, Culture’s Humble African LP didn’t immediately make waves. Yet, over the past 25 years, the album has quietly risen to prominence, becoming one of the most beloved entries in the legendary Reggae group’s extensive 30-album catalog. Known for their groundbreaking 1977 album Two Sevens Clash and a series of influential records produced by Reggae icons Joe Gibbs and Sonia Pottinger, Culture remains a cornerstone of Reggae music history.
During a recent archival review of VP Records’ digital audio tape (DAT) holdings, a hidden gem was uncovered—a previously unreleased dub companion to Humble African. Produced and engineered by the acclaimed duo Fat Eyes—Lynford “Fatta” Marshall and Colin “Bulby” York—this discovery has led to a reimagined celebration of the original album. VP Records has announced the release of Humble African (25th Anniversary Expanded Edition), featuring the original album alongside this newly unearthed dub collection as a deluxe digital package.
Interestingly, Humble African includes two tracks that have achieved remarkable post-release popularity in the streaming era: “Why Am I A Rastaman” and the title track “Humble African.” Both now rank among Culture’s most-streamed songs, with “Why Am I A Rastaman” surpassing nearly all others in their catalog except for the classic “International Herb,” a 1979 production by Sonia Pottinger. Neither of these tracks were singles upon the album’s release, yet they’ve found a second life in today’s digital music landscape, where older catalog tracks often outperform their contemporaneous counterparts.
This resurgence is especially noticeable in regions such as Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa, where Humble African has become a cultural touchstone. At the time of its initial release, the album faced stiff competition from the booming Dancehall scene. Artists like Mr. Vegas, Beenie Man, and a rising Sean Paul were dominating airwaves, while Culture’s Afrocentric and spiritually resonant music found its audience among devoted Reggae fans. Singles like “Revolution” and “Poor People Hungry” reflected the group’s profound themes, yet the album as a whole remained somewhat overshadowed.
The enduring influence of Culture is inseparable from its iconic frontman, Joseph Hill. A charismatic leader and prolific performer, Hill spent decades tirelessly touring and sharing Culture’s message of unity, spirituality, and empowerment. After Hill’s passing in 2006, his son Kenyatta Hill stepped into his father’s role, performing alongside longtime member Telford Nelson to keep Culture’s legacy alive.
The re-release of Humble African celebrates this legacy, offering both long-time fans and new listeners an opportunity to rediscover an album that continues to resonate deeply. With its timeless themes and now-expanded collection, the Humble African (25th Anniversary Expanded Edition) reinforces Culture’s place as one of Reggae’s most treasured acts.
