Music / Festivals
St Paul’s Carnival sound system heritage
Sound systems form an integral part of St Paul’s Carnival and Saturday’s event will be no exception, writes Aisling Mustan
Throughout the years, St Paul’s Carnival has offered musical inspiration for hundreds of local acts.
Jamaica’s sound system movement has profoundly influenced the Bristol music scene, going back to the early 1960s when hundreds of Jamaicans moved to the city.
is needed now More than ever
Beginning as a focal point for the first Caribbean communities, sound systems became a powerful force in the encounter between black Britain and racism.
Back as far as the 1970s and 1980s, people would come from wide and far to experience Bristol’s sound systems, with groups like The Wild Bunch – who later became Massive Attack – drawing huge crowds to venues and street parties.
This is where the Bristol Sound was born.
The thump of sound systems reverberates throughout St Paul’s Carnival with 15 systems pumping beats into the crowd in every corner of the area.
Many of the sound system spots have been passed down from generation to generation. One of the highlights of last year’s sun-drenched event, the Red Bull Music Academy Sound System, will return to its spiritual home for a third year.
Thousands of people will descend on St Paul’s Park for a high-powered blend of local talent and sound system heroes.
Leading the proceedings will be the inimitable king of house-kissed R&B and founding member of Soul II Soul, Jazzie B, presenting 25 years of Soul II Soul.
Alongside Jazzie B, local hero DJ Krust is also sure to draw a huge crowd. One of the original architects of the Bristol Sound, Krust co-founded the Full Cycle Crew with Roni Size.
The Red Bull Music Academy Sound System will also play host to a unique duo whose collaboration bridges a distance of some 4,500 miles.
Jus Now have worked between Bristol and Trinidad to create a fusion of traditional Caribbean rhythm and culture, combined with the sub heavy sound of the Bristol underground.
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