LOUIE STILL BIG ON CULTURE
LOuie Culture believes the current crop of roots-revival artistes are carrying the baton with distinction, despite a proliferation of foreign music in Jamaica.
“Most people want foreign songs, but reggae is the same and will always be the same, because we talk about truth,” the veteran singjay told the Jamaica Observer.
“I must say ‘big up’ to all the artistes nowadays who promote positivity and reality,” he continued.
The Portland-reared artiste is also the product of a roots-reggae wave, which swept the island in the 1990s, with forerunners being Garnet Silk, Tony Rebel, Yasus Afari, Buju Banton, and Capleton.
Today’s generation includes Chronixx, Protoje, Jesse Royal, Kabaka Pyramid, Iba Mahr, and Jah9.
Louie Culture sees a link between his era and the current artistes.
“The connection is always there. We are reality... we speak about reality and people love that, so the support will always be there,” he said.
One of the acts billed for
Rebel Salute, Louie Culture will perform on the second night of the January 18-19 show in Priory, St Ann. It will be his third outing on the festival.
“It is always a great time at Rebel Salute! The show is different because it showcases good music... something different from the regular shows, so I am looking forward to it and I know my fans are,” he said.
Born Lewin Brown, Louie Culture became a big name in dancehall/reggae with hit songs like Ganga Lee, Rudie Don’t Fear, In This Together (with Luciano and Terror Fabulous) and Grab Yuh Lass (with Mikey Spice).
He told the Observer that he is working on two albums, which will be produced by
Acts Productions and Triple L Records. He was tightlipped about other details, but stressed they are strong on “authenticity” and “quality that people admire”.
Also set to grace the stage at Rebel Salute are Ugandan artiste/politician Bobi Wine, Nigerian reggae/dancehall act Patoranking, Michael Rose, The Wailers, The Wailing Souls, Dawn Penn, Wayne Marshall, Luciano and The Mighty Diamonds.