Toppa Top 10: Ten Iconic U.K. Sound Systems

Words by Nadine White

Photo: Stephen Mosco

Hailed as Europe’s biggest street party, Notting Hill Carnival has gained worldwide renown since it was first launched in 1966. It’s like the UK’s answer to Trinidad Carnival, or Crop Over in Barbados, minus the tropical weather and sand, of course.

Carnival was born from the ashes of social discontentment and was deeply inspired by the cultural heritage of inner city London’s then-newly-arrived Caribbean population. Many individuals who migrated from the West Indies brought an invaluable treat with them – sound system culture! With equipment that included amplifiers, speaker boxes, mixers and turn tables,  sound systems were the mobile discotheques that spread Jamaican and Caribbean culture into England. This soldered the very fabric of Notting Hill Carnival. For years, the event has been looked forward to by London and the entire UK’s Caribbean massive as an annual re-connection with the essence of ‘home,’ while also serving as a wider celebration of diversity welcoming to all of London’s ethnicities.

What’s more, the streets become embellished with the vibrance not unlike that which exists within the Carribean — from the food and costumes to the airhorns and music. Every year, some 40 sound systems provide over one million patrons with a booming, eclectic accompaniment of tunes.

We have accomplished the near-impossible by parsing through the UK’s many sound systems for a Top 10. Most of these sounds can be heard at Notting Hill Carnival; we’ve included some directions, so those of you who are in London Town this weekend can know where to find them.

King Tubby’s

Established in 1970 by Jamaican teen Cecil Rennie, King Tubby’s sound system celebrates 45 years in the business this year and is still going strong. King Tubby’s, which is named for the legendary Jamaican engineer by that name but had no direct affiliation with him, were among the first to introduce dubplate specials (one-off exclusives) at their live sessions, which makes them trail-blazing trendsetters, by anyone’s standards. London reggae events that truly desire to be considered even half-credible usually ensure that their patrons dub it to Tubby’s; catch them by Powis Gardens this weekend.

Jah Shaka Sound System

Roots rockin’ reggae is the underlying ethos behind one of the most famous sounds in the history of the culture. Founded by accomplished producer Jah Shaka, also known as the Zulu Warrior, this sound has been up and running since the early 1970s. It’s certainly one of the unique ones, boasting a multicultural following, and has seen off a lot of competitors whilst clinging steadfast to its conscious staple. If you haven’t experienced Jah Shaka yourself, this clip from the 1981 movie Babylon should give you an idea of it’s power. While they haven’t played Notting Hill Carnival in ages, you can catch them at Saturday night’s Carnival Special event in Kentish Town.

Saxon Studio


Ah, easily South-East London’s finest. Saxon was the first sound-system to win the UK World Clash Tournament in 1994 but, long before that, they had already etched their name into reggae history, while helping to launch many successful musical careers in the process. This includes singer Maxi Priest, singjay Lorna Gee and deejays Tippa Irie, Daddy Colonel and Smiley Culture men who innovated and perfected a certain ‘fast chat’ style that would prove timeless through decades to come. The sound annually plays at Carnival and can be heard on St. Lawrence Terrace, steps away from Ladbroke Grove Underground Station.

Sir Coxsone Outernational Sound System

The sound was founded in 1969 by Lloyd Coxsone, after he made a stop in South-West London from Jamaica in 1962. It is said that Coxsone Outernational was the first to ever play dub, and they are credited with being one of the sounds to help develop the reggae music scene within the UK. Although they have played Notting Hill Carnival in the past, you won’t find them on this year’s lineup.

Channel One Sound System

Winners of the 2010 Red Bull Culture Clash in London, Channel One Sound System have been Notting Hill Carnival mainstays of over 30 years. Few sounds anywhere in the world can boast of the credibility and respect that brothers Mikey Dread and Jah T and their MC, Ras Kayleb, can.The crew will be delivering tune after tune at Leamington Road Villas at Notting Hill Carnival this weekend…and, as you can see in the video below, they always deliver.

Lord Gelly’s

Gelly’s place a heavier emphasis on dancehall music and, frankly, this grassroots, edgy sound has the youngest following on this list, particularly that of hardcore ravers.  It was founded by Fitzgerald Gelly in 1964 shortly after his migration from Jamaica and has fostered a number of popular selectors. As such, this sound has consistently reinvented itself, conquering London’s dances and touring destinations within Jamaica and Europe in the process. Dutty whine with them on Cambridge Gardens this weekend.

Virgo International

A close-knit collective of family members and friends, Virgo has been operating for approximately 35 years (which actually makes it one of the younger sound systems on this list). However, they have nurtured a sturdy reputation as one of London’s most consistent. Fun fact: not only do they play reggae but also throw a bit of R&B, Hip Hop and Garage into the mix, too! Find the at the corner of Oxford Gardens and Portobello Road.

Aba Shant-I

This sound was set up by one Joseph Smith. Unlike most U.K. sounds, which consist largely of first generation Jamaicans, he is a second generation Antiguan who was heavily influenced by roots reggae, courtesy of his father who was also a soundman. Aba Shant-I and crew have toured Europe and regularly tours the UK; they’ve also been residents at Nottinghill Carnival since ’93. This year, they will be stationed on the corners of Middle Row for those who want to go take them in and buss a one skank…like the people in the video below!

Pineapple Tribe

This sound is a lot different to most of the entries on this list because of its sole dedication to all things techno and house. The music might not be recognizably Caribbean to some ears, but waht a testament to the cross-cultural relevance of sound system culture. Come Carnival, they are based in between Ledbury Road and Lonsdale Road.

Sir Lloyd Sound System

This sound system was founded in 1979 by Lloyd Roberts, straight out of high school in Kennington, which is south of the Thames. The award-winning clique are one of the few to have been endorsed by the BBC and accomplished chart hits. Those who feel like partying with them this weekend can head down to Tavistock Road and Leamington Villas.

+1 David Rodigan

Photo: Shane McCauley

Although not technically a sound system in the purest sense of the word, David Rodigan is arguably England’s most celebrated selector, thanks to his work on the radio as well as in the clubs. Ram Jam’s collection is enough to “done” many sounds and the proof is in his many victorious feats over the years. Although he will not be making a formal appearance at Notting Hill Carnival this year, over the last couple of years he featured on the Red Bull Music Academy Sound System and set the place ablaze!