The Carnival countdown is on

As the 60th anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival looms, Josephine Cruz shines a light on the roots of sound system culture.

Many people might not realise the depth and breadth of impact Jamaican sound systems have had on British dance music today. 

In the lead up to the 60th anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival, which will take place on the bank holiday from August 29th to 31st, Josephine Cruz looks at the roots of sound system culture, going right back to Jamaica in the 1950s.

What began as DIY sound systems on the streets, as a way to make live music more accessible, evolved into full crews of DJs, MCs and engineers, all working together to put on events and make their systems bigger and louder. 

When the Windrush generation brought sound system music with them, it first took root in blues parties, community halls and basements, as Caribbean communities created their own spaces outside of mainstream clubs. Decades on, that same DNA runs through jungle, garage, grime, dubstep and more.

Today, Notting Hill Carnival hosts around 2 million attendees each year, with music blasting from more than 30 official sound systems including Channel One, Aba Shanti-I, King Tubby’s, Rampage Sound and Disya Jeneration. 

Watch the video here.