News — History of Soundsystem Culture

  • NEW MUSIC: SOUNDSYSTEM SESSIONS LIVE!

    · By Tom Bibby

    We’re proud to announce the launch of a brand new series: The Reggae Roast Soundsystem Sessions – a monthly celebration of Soundsystem Culture. Each episode features the full power of the Reggae Roast Soundsystem, captured live and direct, with performances from some of the finest Reggae, Dancehall, and Jungle artists in the UK. EPISODE 1 OUT NOW!! Episode 1: Mr. Williamz The series kicks off in style with our friend the incredible Mr. Williamz, delivering an electrifying performance that captures the raw energy of our live shows – the same vibes we brought on tour this summer with legends UB40....

  • Soundsystem Session Live at Otherside, Portobello Road

    · By Tom Bibby

    We had a great time last Friday down at Otherside on Portobello Road, with our first Reggae Roast Soundsystem Session Live featuring Horseman and Mr. Williamz with appearances from Donovan Kingjay and Clappers Priest.    The team at Otherside were great to work with and we were extremely grateful to Salad Vision for bringing along the fresh Coconut- well needed refreshment on a real scorcher of a day! The vibes were nice throughout the session, with the crowd bubbling and flowing as passersby joined in the fun.  Front and centre was our Reggae Roast FAYA Soundsystem, designed and built by...

  • The Origin of Soundsystem Culture

    · By James Harper

    Here at Reggae Roast we love soundsystem culture. It brings people together, builds communities and so much more! But where did it all start? In this post we're going to explore the origins of this influential movement that continues to inspire so many people around the world. Soundsystems first emerged in Jamaica after World War II. In 1947, a man named Hedley Jones, drawing on his experience as a Radar Engineer in the British Air Force, built the first amplifier in Jamaica. Using his severance pay from the army, Jones opened a shop selling radios and records. He built the amp so he...