We are pleased to announce our sister research group Sound System Outernational (SSO) is making good use of the SST research resources. On Wednesday 17 th June at 5pm UK time Julian Henriques and Brian D’Aquino will be giving an online radio talk “Sound System Cultures: Knowledges and Practices”, followed by a Q&A and DJ Sets from Brian as Bababoom Hi Fi and DJ Nuri, 6.30 to 7.30pm. Tune in at https://cute-community.com/

We thank Cute Community Radio and MEDIEN|DENKEN, Institut für Medienwissenschaft, Ruhr University Bochum for their kind invitation.

Sound System Cultures: Knowledges and Practices 

In the first part of this talk, illustrated with music tracks, Henriques gives some background on sound system culture in Jamaica based on many years of research there. He concentrates on the classic roots reggae and dub culture as this is what has had the most influence and travelled worldwide. It describes the dancehall session and the sound system as the instrument that gives the music its distinctive sound. As well as the DJs and selectors, the audio engineers play a vital role in fine-tuning their set of equipment to maximise the vibes for the crowd. Their sonic knowledge, techniques and experience is at the heart of the entire dancehall scene.

In the second part, D’Aquino focuses on the electromagnetic diaspora of the reggae sound system, tracing its spread from to the UK and Europe and then to the rest of the world. Drawing on five years of global sound system research, alongside his own professional practice, he examines the fractures, tensions, and continuities that shape contemporary reggae sound system culture. The talk explores questions of ownership, adaptation, and the social and political implications of this technomusical practice as it travels across and is shaped by different cultural contexts.