Jamaica’s dancehall scene is currently swept up in a renewed fascination with mento, the iconic 1940s folk genre that forms the foundation of modern Caribbean popular music. Veteran recording artist Currentzicks is the latest creative to lean into this growing nostalgic wave, dropping his fresh fusion track *Hill And Gully* as part of the new Inviting riddim compilation.
The single, distributed by Spanish Town-based independent imprint Most Wanted Records, blends the raw, rhythmic character of traditional mento with the punchy, contemporary energy of 21st-century dancehall. For Currentzicks, the project is more than just a new release—it is a deliberate effort to connect generations of Jamaican music fans while preserving a core part of the island’s cultural heritage.
In an interview with Observer Online, the Manchester-born artist explained that his love for mento stretches back to his childhood, shaped by long-running Jamaican public television series *Hill And Gully Ride*. The iconic program, which aired on Television Jamaica for decades, journeyed to some of the island’s most isolated rural communities to highlight the enduring traditions and quiet customs of local residents. Its theme track was a beloved mento standard, embedding the genre in Currentzicks’ creative identity from an early age.
“It was always an idea I had to remix some of the old school dancehall music with a fusion of the new school sound, preserving a cultural expression in my own way,” Currentzicks said. “I am here to cater for different genres, but for now I am aiming for the ‘die-hearted’ dancehall souls.” He added that the reimagined track adds a modern dancehall edge to the classic mento framework, creating a accessible entry point for younger listeners while staying true to the genre’s roots.
*Hill And Gully* drops amid a small but impactful mento renaissance across Jamaica. Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor’s work on the Invitation riddim has already sparked significant new interest in the genre, which has long maintained a loyal following within the island’s local cultural circles but has been overlooked by mainstream audiences for decades.
With over a decade of experience in the Jamaican music industry, Currentzicks has built a catalog of genre-blending work, including earlier well-received tracks *Bull Ina Pen* and *Top Johncrow*. This latest release cements his reputation as an artist dedicated to honoring Jamaica’s musical past while pushing its sound forward.