Sound System Culture Day at the British Library Billets
British Library, London.
Sound System Culture Day
Sunday 2 June 12:30 – 18:00
British Library Piazza
Join us for an afternoon at the British Library hosted by Lin Kam Art, celebrating of the biggest contributions to UK music: sound system culture. With LIGWA sound system, Original Sounds Collective, Bass Tone Regeneration, talks, workshops and much more.
Curated by Linett Kamala from Notting Hill Carnival, this intergenerational day features two sound systems, talks, DJ sets, games, creative activities and installations.
Piazza and Pavilion activities are free to attend. Just turn up, no booking required. Last entry 5.30pm.
On the Piazza and in the Pavilion from 12.30, we present the launch of the LIN KAM ART Sound System as well as LIGWA Sound System featuring Mista Fixit playing tribute to Orbitone Records “Real big people style”. With special guest DJs including Arsia from Lin Kam Art Sound System Futures and Original Sounds Collective including Dubplate Pearl.
Enjoy performances by dancehall crews, and dance moves through the eras class with Ras 1; a talk on Tommy McCook by Skanking Star from Monkey Sound System; fun dressing up music inspired fashion with Leila Baker & Sherry Creative Space and a Caribbean kitchen themed space inspired by elder Annie Thompson with dominoes, ludo and more.
In the main Entrance Hall discover BASS TONE REGENERATION, a sound and light installation by Linett Kamala inspired by Sonny Roberts and with a soundscape featuring the sounds and voices of South Kilburn. First commissioned by the London Borough of Camden and Hive Curates.
In The British Library Theatre, there will be three talks and panels through the afternoon. A Tribute to Sonny Roberts (1.30 – 2.30pm) celebrating the pioneering producer, studio and record label owner with Cleon Roberts and Linett Kamala; Pioneers: Trailblazers of British Reggae (3 - 4.15pm) a panel with Daddy Ernie, Lady V (V Rocket International), Mad Professor and Carroll Thompson, hosted by Seani B (BBC Radio 1Xtra): and 0121 – Birmingham’s Black Music Legacy (4.30 – 5.45pm).
Tickets are required for the talks, priced £5. Book a ticket for one and stay for the other two at no extra cost.
The exhibition Beyond the Bassline: 500 Years of Black British Music (26 April – 26 August) will be open on the day. Ticket purchase required.
Explore the full events programme for the British Library exhibition here.
Lin Kam Art enriches lives through festival and sound system culture, via public art, takeovers, events, workshops, residencies and programmes. Deeply rooted in community empowerment and education - and championing young people and women - it engages with thousands of people across all ages each year. Recent Lin Kam Art projects include the Windrush 75 Community Tea Party in Gladstone Park, production for the static sound systems at Notting Hill Carnival, South Kilburn CarniVale Music & Wellbeing Festival; Windrush 75: Jamaican Sound System Culture at the British Museum cultural, Kilburn Up High, educational resource for The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, a design commission for Brondesbury Bridge in Kilburn and curation for The Look Laundrette, an immersive pop-up at Westfield London.
https://linkamart.com/