Sussex sound systems
Sussex has a small but long-running reggae sound system scene, centred on Brighton. King Tafari Love Muzic has played since 1984 and calls itself Brighton's original custom-built sound; in 2022 its crew told the story of Black British sound system culture in the city at Brighton CCA. Roots Garden Sound System has been "dubwise since 1995", with its own record label, a radio show and summer sessions at Concorde 2 on the seafront, where crews like Heavytone Hi-Fi play as guests.
Outside Brighton, Kings Hi-Fi UK has run out of Lewes since 2004, playing reggae, dub and bass music at free parties and festivals across Europe. In Hastings, Dub Generals (2007) play strictly vinyl on hand-built boxes, and in Rye, selector Geoff's Jah Leveller Hi-Fi, started in the 1980s, plays rocksteady and roots for the Rye Reggae Association.
Still playing
- Roots Garden Sound SystemBrightonStill playing
Brighton roots and culture sound, "dubwise since 1995", which marked 30 years in 2025. Runs the Roots Garden Records label and shop (releases with Brother Culture, Earl…
- Kings Hi-Fi UKLewesStill playing
Lewes sound running since 2004, grown out of Brighton's reggae scene. Plays an eclectic mix of reggae, dancehall, dub, dubstep, jungle and hip hop at free parties…
- King Tafari Love MuzicBrightonStill playing
Brighton's original custom-built sound system, playing since 1984 and run by a Rasta crew. Has backed singers including Gussie P and Earl Sixteen, and in 2022 gave a…
- Dub GeneralsHastingsStill playing
Hand-built Hastings sound founded in 2007, playing strictly vinyl dub, roots and dancehall "inna rub a dub stylie". Selector and MC Coz Barnsfield ran the Minista and…
- Still playing
Started in the 1980s by selector Geoff and a group of friends. Plays rocksteady, reggae and roots on vinyl at the Rye Reggae Association's nights at Rye Community Centre.
Possible matches
- Heavytone Hi-FiBrightonPossible match
Custom-built reggae sound, a regular guest at the Roots Garden sessions at Concorde 2.
- Power Surge Sound SystemEast GrinsteadPossible match
All-vinyl reggae, ska, rocksteady, dancehall, roots and dub; played the Sussex Arms in August 2024.
Ran a sound, chatted on one or carried the boxes? Add your sound system to the register.