Sound System

A sound system is a collective built around powerful custom amplification, selectors, and crew — originating in 1950s Jamaica — that plays recorded music for public dances and evolved into a global template for DJ culture.

Why it matters: Sound systems are the infrastructure beneath ska, reggae, dub, and dancehall. Without them, there is no clash culture, no dubplate economy, and no yard-based path from street performance to studio stardom.