The soundsystem is at the heart of the reggae movement.
In word, music and pictures, the exhibition follows the story of
the soundsystem from Jamaica in the 1950s to the UK in the 60s
and 70s, and then to Europe. The soundsystems gave birth to ska,
rocksteady, reggae, dub, dancehall, hip-hop, jungle and drum and
bass – and taught nations and generations how to dance!
Jamaican artist Freestylee illustrates the story
with additional artwork by Mau Mau.
Posters from Exhibition now for sale online! Check it »
The story of the sound system is one of technological innovation, creative enterprise
and musical genius, but it is also a story of deep spiritual
and cultural significance.
From its first incarnation in 1950s Jamaica, the sound system was the radio of the people.
Through artists and producers from Prince Buster to King Tubby and Augustus Pablo,
the music expressed the aspirations, sufferings and joys of everyday life.
The exhibition follows the growth of sound system culture from Kingston across Jamaica,
to the UK and then to Europe, spreading the sounds of ska, rocksteady, reggae and dub,
and planting the seeds of a new generation of singers, musicians, DJs, producers … and dancers!
Join us to discover one of the great hidden histories of the 20th century.
Ronan Lynch is an historian of music who has written widely about reggae, politics and culture. He is editor and publisher of Irie Up
magazine. www.irieup.com
Paula Strzelecka is a graphic designer and reggae lover.
FEATURED ARTISTS
Michael Thompson, also known as Freestylee, is a designer and graphic artist from Jamaica who specializes in political and revolutionary themes. He lives in the USA.
Mau Mau is the English artist whose graphic works adorn many lanes and walls in Kingston, Jamaica and other reggae hotspots around the world.
Soundsystem: From Jamaica to Europe 1950–1995 is the first of a series of exhibitions on
the reggae movement from 1950 to 2012.
This exhibition is composed of 20 large format 5mm panels (B1 size) with text
and illustrations.
The exhibition can be presented as a stand-alone exhibition, or as part of a music or
culture event. We highly recommend that
the exhibition is presented in co-operation with reggae DJs or soundsystems providing
a soundtrack for the pictures.
The exhibition is an ideal way to present
the culture of reggae music outside the
traditional club setting, and to show the world the depth and beauty of the history
of soundsystem music.
LANGUAGES
We present the exhibition
in the following languages:
English/German, Spanish/French, English/Polish
From February 2012, we will be presenting the exhibition
in additional languages.
FOR BOOKING INQUIRES
Would you like to present the exhibition to your town or city?
We offer a range of options, from short-term lease of
the exhibition material (from two days to two weeks)
to a full installation service.