Two Sevens Clash — the song that put a country on edge
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The streets of Jamaica’s capital were like a ghost town 40 years ago today. All it took to shut down Kingston was an apocalyptic song called Two Sevens Clash by roots-reggae group Culture.
Based on a supposed prophecy by Pan African icon and National Hero Marcus Garvey, Two Sevens Clash said there would be mayhem on July 7, 1977.
That was enough for businesses and schools to close that day. Most persons in Kingston stayed home; the impact was also felt in Montego Bay.
Two Sevens Clash was written by Joseph Hill, Culture’s charismatic vocalist who formed the group the previous year. There is no proof that Garvey made any such statement but Hill’s ominous lyrics put the country on edge.
“Di place did want a likkle shake-up. To much wickedness did a gwaan inna Jamaica an’ di song mek people stop an’ think,” Hill told the Jamaica Observer in a 1997 interview.
The song was produced by Joe Gibbs. In 1976, he also directed Hill and fellow Culture members Kenneth Dayes and Albert Walker on Jah Jah See Dem A Come, their breakthrough hit.
From Linstead, Hill was a member of the Soul Defenders band that emerged from that St Catherine market town in the late 1960s. They played on numerous hit songs at Studio One including Picture On The Wall by singer Freddie McKay, another Linstead native.
At the time of Two Sevens Clash’s release, Jamaica was in turmoil. The divisive rhetoric from leaders of the governing People’s National Party and Opposition Jamaica Labour Party, sparked bloody conflict between their supporters.
It may have caused hysteria in Jamaica, but overseas Two Sevens Clash was hailed as musical genius. Rolling Stone Magazine later called the song one of its ’50 Coolest Records’.
Hill died in 2006 while on tour in Berlin, Germany. He was 57.
In May, VP Records released a 40th anniversary edition of the Two Sevens Clash album, which includes other classics such as I’m Not Ashamed and Calling Rasta For I.
Hill’s son Kenyatta, who tours as Culture, is currently on tour celebrating the milestone.
Howard Campbell
