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Benny Culture and Singie Shante
Conscience
(Megawave)
First Appeared in The Music Box, January 2008, Volume 15, #1
Written by Douglas Heselgrave
Thu January 3, 2008, 9:45 AM CST
"Now, I say, guide me, Jah-Jah, as I trod along,
and listen to the voice of a true Rasta Man,
who never went to high school to get an education,
but I know I can teach love and
compassion — I can make a difference."
– Benny Culture
Originally released in 2002 and recently reissued by Megawave Records, Benny
Culture and Singie Shante’s Conscience is a classic, modern reggae album.
It is a strong and passionate collection of revolutionary songs that are
supported by rhythms from the Gumption Band, and its re-emergence is a fitting
tribute to Benny Culture, the musician and activist who succumbed to cancer in
2004.
Culture’s work was a testament to reggae’s highest ideals. In an era where a
lot of press coverage of the genre tends to focus on guns, violence,
intolerance, and homophobia, Culture’s life and actions stood in sharp contrast
to the gangster stereotypes that often have left the humanism and "one love"
philosophy espoused by Bob Marley and other early Jamaican music icons as little
more than dimly recalled dreams from bygone days. Throughout his career, Culture
frequently tackled issues that were unpopular within the more conservative
sectors of Jamaican society. Right from the start, he was an HIV/AIDS advocate
who used money from his record sales to establish Culture Shop, a gathering
place where the sick and poor were fed and where guidance was provided at any
time, without prejudice. It was a Mecca of music, social activism, and
brotherhood — a place of tolerance and safety. In addition to working with those
who were marginalized and ill, Culture was also a committed environmentalist
whose Earth Day cleanup campaigns in Jamaica became legendary.
"It doesn’t matter what you say ’bout righteousness
Man, if Jah calls upon you, you might be next
So mind how you program and how you a flex
In the midst of life’s plan, you need to look out for death."
A dedicated Rastafarian, Culture had a way with words that allowed him to
create lyrics that addressed and elevated his spiritual concerns in a manner
that was both moving and artistically satisfying. Unlike many contemporary
reggae artists who are content with retreading old musical ground or emulating
the more troubling aspects of hip-hop culture, he was able to embrace the
genre’s new sounds while retaining the traditional natural essence of the
musical form. Conscience, his collaboration with Singie Shante, a great
singer and activist in his own right, is a deep and profound album full of
wonderful songs with killer rhythms. Each track is essentially a conversation or
duet between Culture and Shante. The two performers act as perfect foils for
each other with Shante’s smooth, almost silken voice providing a counterpoint to
Culture’s deep, unrelenting vocal attacks.
From the opening title track to Groovematist’s final remix of Chant
Rastafari, there’s not a lackluster song on Conscience. Though many
of the beats are mechanized and utilize computer technology, Culture and
Shante’s lyrics bubble with so much warmth and passion as they sing over the
instrumental tracks that the lack of real instruments is never a distraction. Conscience is a perfect marriage of old-world roots music and modern
electronica. It is, in many ways, a 21st Century reggae album that is
peerless. For those whose reggae collections begin with Jimmy Cliff and haven’t
progressed past the last, original album by Black Uhuru, and for those who have
been thinking of trying something new, there’s no better place to start than
with Conscience. 
Of Further Interest...
Burning Spear - Living Dub, Volume 6
Bob Marley - Climb the Ladder
Toots & the Maytals - True Love
Conscience is available from
Amazon. To order, Click Here!
For Canadian orders, please
Click Here!
For UK orders, please
Click Here!
Ratings
1 Star: Pitiful
2 Stars: Listenable
3 Stars: Respectable
4 Stars: Excellent
5 Stars: Can't Live Without It!!
Copyright © 2008 The Music Box
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