Coventry will be dancing in celebration of Sound System culture that came to the city more than 50 years ago.
Coventry City of Culture Trust is placing a spotlight on Coventry’s Sound Systems with three exciting events this October and November that will bring ‘Dub & Roots’ and ‘Dancehall’ lovers together to celebrate the sounds of the city and the Caribbean.
It will highlight how 1950s West Indian arrivals to the city – many from Coventry’s twin city of Kingston – built their own sound systems with huge speakers and amps, introducing new Reggae and Ska music to local audiences at parties.
The music went onto inspire a wealth of art and culture that has come from the city, in particular the rich music heritage of 2-Tone.
Today, there are sound systems still active in Coventry that can trace their beginnings back over 50 years, alongside new sounds starting up to continue the tradition.
The celebrations will begin on October 2 when local sound systems Black Crusader, I&I Presents Count C, Irie B & Scooby, Messenger Sound and Sisters In Dub will perform at a dub & roots themed event.
Then, on October 9, Black Magic Family, JB International, Mackabee Studio International and X5 Family World Sound will bring dancehall to the city. Both events take place at The Box at Fargo Village.
The culmination of the Sound Systems celebration will be an event titled ‘Coventry meets Kingston’ with local artists performing alongside sound systems from Kingston including Rory Stonelove, Bass Odyssey and Ricky Trooper joining via live stream at The HMV Empire on November 6.
This celebration of Sound Systems is being delivered in partnership with creative producer Colin Bell, with production management from The Play Maker Group, all with a wealth of experience and passion for sound systems culture and events.
Speaking about the importance of the upcoming events Creative Producer Colin said:
“Music has been a force for good in this city and the music played on sound systems has unified and inspired generations in Coventry, and now, in 2021, we celebrate our local sound system culture not just the pioneers who have been playing for the last 50 years but also celebrating new, younger up and coming sound systems and our first all-female sound system.
“Several of the sound systems involved are second generation passed down from their parents and our hope is this will both spotlight our Coventry Sound Systems and stimulate new conversations and develop new ways of continuing this tradition into the future.”
Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “Coventry is a music city. Jamaican reggae culture is part our city’s cultural heritage. The artists who brought this music and culture to the UK were true musical pioneers. And the sound systems themselves are spectacular works of art, often homemade, tested in front rooms and most importantly form the soundtrack to many people’s lives. They need to be seen and heard, to be believed. I can’t wait to check them out in Coventry very soon.”
Tickets for each event can be purchased at coventry2021.co.uk
Picture credit: Colin Bell