In the early 1990s, as dancehall music moved away from slackness/gun lyrics, a flood of artistes signalled a return to consciousness. Among them was Portland-born Louie Culture.

Thirty years ago, he rode the charts with two massive songs, Gangalee and In This Together (with Luciano and Terror Fabulous). The former, produced by Lloyd “John John” James, remains the roots deejay’s signature.

“Gangalee was di breakout song for Louie Culture; it did a lot for mi! Most of di tings going on for Louie Culture is through the ole Gangalee…Gangalee a di boss,” he said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

While still in the charts 30 years ago, Gangalee was actually released in late 1994.

Louie Culture previously scored with dancehall jams like Excellence and Old Before Young, both produced by a rising wunderkind named Dave Kelly, but Gangalee became a radio anthem and earned him a mainstream following.

This evening, he and fellow toaster Frisco Kid co-headline Saturday Night Live, the second show in a monthly series at Sky Ultra Lounge in St Andrew. It pays homage to the 1990s, a decade the Rastafarian artiste believes had a different vibe to current dancehall.

“In those days di artistes were united, we were a united force. Is not like now where yuh si artiste fighting each other an’ don’t want another artiste to be on di same rhythm,” Louie Culture noted. “Dat’s why yuh si di 90s have so much juggling with so much artistes, ‘cause it was a joy. Dat cut out right now.”

Promoted by Global Grove, Saturday Night Live, the series, kicked off in November with Marcia Griffiths and Lloyd Parks and We The People Band.

Panic and the Dub Squad Band are also scheduled to perform on this evening’s show.

— Howard Campbell