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by Venesha Johnson | Associate Writer
From the pulsating beats of reggae to the infectious rhythms of dancehall, sound systems play a pivotal role in shaping the sonic landscape of our island. For any dancehall or reggae event to be successful, the right sound system is needed. These 5 are among the top Jamaican sound systems.
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One of Jamaica's most aesthetically pleasing sound systems to date is Stone Love. It entered the dancehall industry in the early 1970s, and for the past 37 years, it has been the sound system with the most dancehall customers. Winston "wee-pow" Powell is the owner and operator.
This was mostly an uptown sound, and it wasn't until 1983 that it was made available to the "Ghetto" neighbourhood in downtown. If you should attend one of its sessions, you will undoubtedly enjoy yourself because this sound plays songs from various genres.
Before Magnum's sponsorship, Guinness was the sound's primary sponsor. Wee-pow, G-Fuss, Billy Slaughter, Rory, Nico, Bill Cosby, Jet Lee, Duane Pow, Richie Feelings, and Diamond are some of the selectors/DJs. Its main offices are at 41 Burlington Avenue in Kingston. At the headquarters, two events—"Weddy Weddy" and "Uptown Monday"—each week draw a sizable crowd of dancehall lovers.
Delano Thomas and Devon Chin founded Renaissance Disco in 1989. Renaissance Disco is another popular sound system. Delano worked as a selector for a sound system called Lejeaux Disco prior to founding Renaissance Disco.
The music played on this sound system spans a variety of genres, including pop, hip-hop, reggae, dancehall, remixes, soca, R&B, and house, to mention a few. It is a great choice for business events, weddings, dancehall sessions, birthday parties, nightclubs, etc.
Delano, Marvin, Michael Edwards, DJ Pepsi, DJ Foodie, DJ Christuff, Jazzy T, DJ Smoke, DJ Blaze, and Dr. Dre are the group's current members. It has a stellar reputation and has entertained audiences in nations like Germany, Japan, the UK, the Caribbean, and the USA.
One of the most formidable sound systems and selectors in the dancehall clash scene today is Ricky Trooper, also known as Sound Trooper. Trooper was born at Mount Regale, a tiny settlement in the parish of St. Mary. After relocating to Spanish Town at eight (8), he was introduced to his first sound system, Coptic Hi Power.
He started spinning records and finally got a position on the Kilamanjaro sound system. He finally started Kilamanjaro and became known as "The Killing Machine" for his skill in sound clashes.
He split from Jaro in 2000 to start his sound system, and since then, he has competed against well-known sound systems such as King Addies, Body Guard, Stone Love, Metro Media, Bass Odyssey, and Black Kat.
One of Jamaica's most feared sound systems in the realm of sound clash is Bass Odyssey. Keith Walford created the sound in 1989 and later teamed up with Bunny Hayles to produce the renowned Bass Odyssey, which eventually hired other selectors. This sound is used at parties in addition to sound clashing.
Bass Odyssey performs frequently in the Caribbean, Central America, the United States, Canada, Europe, and Japan in addition to their weekly engagements in Jamaica. They have competed in and won the Guinness Sounds of Greatness competition as well as the UK Cup Clash on numerous occasions.
In 1994, Copper Shot Sound System was founded. Its headquarters are in Kingston, Jamaica. It is also regarded as having one of the best contemporary sound systems.
After Jason Henriquez, Shaw, and Matthew Gray—all formerly of Sage Enterprise—got together and performed at a home party and barbecue, the sound was created.
The Sound has ten employees today after 17 years in the industry. Coppershot has shown they have the innovation and the proper flavour for all crowds while being labelled as having an uptown sound. They are available for your weddings, dancehall sessions, clubs, and business events.
Jamaica's love affair with music and sound systems knows no bounds. Throughout the island, numerous sound systems have garnered a reputation for delivering unforgettable auditory experiences. Jamaica's sound system culture continues to evolve, pushing the boundaries of sonic excellence.
The best sound systems in Jamaica are not merely equipment; they represent a way of life, a shared passion, and an integral part of the nation's cultural fabric.
Whether you're swaying to the rhythms of reggae in Kingston or getting lost in the infectious beats of dancehall in Montego Bay, the immersive soundscapes created by these top-tier systems are sure to leave a lasting impression.
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