A–Z of UK sound systems

Every name on the register. 107 have a full entry; the rest are sounds from the lists we started with that have no public trace yet. If you know one, tell us.

409 names

A

  • Aba Shanti
    See Aba Shanti-I
  • Aba Shanti I
    See Aba Shanti-I
  • Aba Shanti-ILondon
    Still playing

    London. Notting Hill Carnival resident since 1993; run by Joseph “Aba” Smith. Falasha Recordings label.

  • Abishai Hi Power
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Aces Hi Fi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Aces Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Aces International
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Admiral BaileyEast London
    Legacy

    London. The Bailey family’s original sound, which Mikey Dread and Jah T turned into Channel One in 1979.

  • Admiral KenHackney
    Legacy

    Hackney and Peckham, 1960s–70s. Ken Edwards, club owner; played the Four Aces and was resident at the Bouncing Ball, Peckham.

  • Aggressor Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Al G Sound
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Allstars
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Alpha & OmegaLondon
    Still playing

    London/Plymouth dub act (Christine Woodbridge and John Sprosen). Better known as a band than a sound system.

  • Alpha And Omega
    See Alpha & Omega
  • Ambassada
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Amegus Downbeat
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Aquarius
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Argonauts
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • ArmagideonHuddersfield
    Legacy

    Huddersfield sound founded in 1978 under the name Youthman, with MCs Robbie Rue, Admaral and T Dread, and Dee Bo General, later known for jungle, drum & bass, dub and…

  • Armagideon Muzik
    See Armagideon
  • Armagideon Sound System
    See Armagideon
  • ArrowsKingston, Jamaica
    Possible match

    The famous Arrows was a Kingston, Jamaica sound (Linton brothers, 1965). A UK “Arrows Discoteque” wasn’t found.

  • Arrows Discoteque
    See Arrows
  • Asher World MovementUK (area not recorded)
    No public trace yet

    Nothing under this name. The MC Asher Senator chatted on Buchanan, Black Harmony, Frontline, Coxsone and Saxon.

  • Aura Sounds
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Aurauba
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Axis
    See Axis Valv-a-tron
  • Axis Sound System
    See Axis Valv-a-tron
  • Axis Valv-a-tronHuddersfield
    Still playing

    Paul "Axis" Huxtable's traditional valve-amp sound, built with Pennine Transformers and local engineers and developed over more than 20 years. Plays original roots and…

  • Axis Valvatron
    See Axis Valv-a-tron

B

  • Barnabas Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Baron Turbo ChargeMoss Side, Manchester
    Legacy

    Manchester (Moss Side and Hulme), formed 1974 by Wizzy Dan and Barzy, with MC Money Green.

  • Baron Turbo Charged
    See Baron Turbo Charge
  • Basalem
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Baskerville
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • BedlamDalston
    Legacy

    Free tekno sound founded in Dalston, east London in 1992, after running house parties across London from 1990. Played breakbeat hardcore at Castlemorton Common in 1992.

  • BIG Toe's HiFiLeeds
    Still playing

    Vinyl-only reggae sound with systems in the UK, Canada and New Mexico; selectors Choppa Chop and B-Dawg juggle 45s.

  • Big Youth Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Bismark
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Black Bionic
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Black Chalice
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Black Crystal
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Black HarmonyUK (area not recorded)
    Legacy

    1970s–80s UK sound; Asher Senator deejayed on it. A Black Harmony track is on Soul Jazz’s “Life Between Islands”.

  • Black Ivory
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Black RootsSt Pauls, Bristol
    Possible match

    Possibly the Bristol reggae band Black Roots (St Pauls, 1979), who were tied into the city’s sound system scene.

  • Black ScorpioKingston, Jamaica
    Possible match

    No UK “Black Scorpion” found. Black Scorpio is the Jamaican sound of Jack Scorpio, which still tours Europe.

  • Black Scorpion
    See Black Scorpio
  • Black Sculpture
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Black Star LinerNorth London
    Possible match

    Probably Black Star Liner, a London sound that Entebbe played against in the late 1970s. A Jamaican Black Star (Liner) sound also existed.

  • Black Stat Liner
    See Black Star Liner
  • Black Terror
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Black Unity
    See Unity
  • Blackabullet
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Blazing Fire
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Blue Cannon
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Blue Steel
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Bojangles
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Boka
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Boom-Shacka-LackaLondon
    Still playing

    The Disciples (Russ D and brother Lol). Built their sound in 1991; Boom-Shacka-Lacka label from 1993.

  • Boss SoundsNewcastle
    Possible match

    Possibly Boss Sounds, Newcastle reggae promoters who ran a festival in 2007.

  • Bubblers
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • BuchananUK (area not recorded)
    Legacy

    1970s–80s UK sound where Asher Senator started out.

  • Bushrocker
    See Bushrocker Hi-Fi
  • Bushrocker Hi Fi
    See Bushrocker Hi-Fi
  • Bushrocker Hi-FiLancashire
    Still playing

    Lancashire roots sound founded by the late Colin "COJO" Joseph and carried on by the Bushrocker family. A regular at Beat-Herder Festival, it has hosted or supported…

C

  • Captain Ken
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Casper Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Chalice
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Challenger Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Channel OneEast London
    Still playing

    London. Started 1979 by Mikey Dread and Jah T from their father’s Admiral Bailey sound. Carnival since 1983.

  • ChickenEast London
    Legacy

    East London, 1960s. One of the first UK operators, alongside Duke Vin, Count Shelly and Count Suckle.

  • Circus WarpUK (area not recorded)
    Legacy

    Early-1990s free-party sound that played breakbeat hardcore at Castlemorton Common in 1992 alongside Spiral Tribe, DiY and Bedlam.

  • City Dread Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Computorizor
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Concrete LionLeeds
    Possible match

    One of two rival Leeds sounds around 1977.

  • Conqueror
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Cool Runnings
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Cosmic SlopLeeds
    Still playing

    Leeds. Hope House / MAP Charity; built by Tom Smith with rotary mixers and vintage amps.

  • Count Eric
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Count Lion
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Count Myrie
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Count ShellyHackney
    Legacy

    Hackney. Ephraim Barrett; resident at the 31 Club, Harlesden and the Four Aces. Count Shelly and Third World labels. Died 2020.

  • Count Sputnick
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Count SucklePaddington
    Legacy

    Paddington. Wilbert Campbell, who opened the Cue Club in 1962. Died 2014.

  • Count Ton
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Count Wally
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Counteraction
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Countryman
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • CreatorCamberwell
    Legacy

    South London sound from Camberwell, named in a speakerplans.com forum roll-call of classic London reggae sounds alongside Sanatone Hi-Fi, Cool Charm Rocker of Waterloo…

  • Creator (Camberwell)
    See Creator
  • Crucial Bubbler
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Crucial RootsGlasgow
    Possible match

    Glasgow sound playing traditional roots reggae; supported Channel One with Ramon Judah.

  • Cultural RootsBedford
    Still playing

    Bedford. Founded 10 Sept 1979 by Mr Kulcha Beats and Errol Spider; the first reggae sound to play the O2. Its own museum opened at The Higgins Bedford.

D

  • D’Nunes
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Danger Man
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Deep Frequencies
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Dennis Bovell / MatumbiLondon
    Legacy

    Dennis Bovell ran Jah Sufferer (Sufferah) Hi-Fi 1976–80 while leading Matumbi.

  • Desert Eagle
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Desta*NationOxford
    Possible match

    Weak match: DESTA*NATION, an Oxford roots sound (c.1995) that broadcast on Destiny 105.1FM.

  • Destiny
    See Desta*Nation
  • Diabolical Hi-Fi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Dialtone
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Diamonds
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Dillinger
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Direct Drive Soul Sound
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Disco HustlersNotting Hill
    Possible match

    Possibly Disco Hustlers, Powis Square, Notting Hill (est. 1998).

  • DiY Sound SystemNottingham
    Legacy

    Nottingham collective formed in 1989 by Harry Harrison, Rick "Digs" Down, Simon "DK" Smith and Pete "Woosh" Birch. Played house music at free parties from 1990 and ran…

  • Dominant One
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Dragon International
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Dread City
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Dub Cartel
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Dub GeneralsHastings
    Still 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…

  • DubkasmBristol
    Still playing

    Childhood friends DJ Stryda and Digistep started Dubkasm in the mid-1990s and launched the Sufferah's Choice label in 2003. Their 2009 album Transform I is a landmark…

  • Duke Alloy
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Duke Brown
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Duke Neville
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Duke Reid The TrojanKingston, Jamaica
    Legacy

    Jamaican (Arthur “Duke” Reid, 1915–75). His Trojan truck gave Trojan Records its name.

  • Duke Sonny
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Duke VinLadbroke Grove
    Legacy

    Ladbroke Grove. Vincent Forbes built the first Jamaican-style sound in Britain in 1955; played Carnival for 37 years. Died 2012.

  • Duke Wally
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Duke WarriorHuddersfield
    Possible match

    Huddersfield sound active in the 1970s.

  • Dynatone Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it

E

  • Earl Bionic
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Earth RockerHuddersfield
    Legacy

    Formed in 1975 by Stephen Burke (Papa Burky), born in Huddersfield to Jamaican parents. One of the biggest and most respected sounds in the north of England, with MC…

  • Eastman Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Ebonee Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • El Rico
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • El Rocker
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Electrikal
    See Electrikal Sound System
  • Electrikal Sound SystemEdinburgh
    Still playing

    Edinburgh bass collective formed in 2009, with a 20kW-plus rig built with the Welsh DIY speaker builders Stable Audio. Runs nights at The Bongo Club with residents and…

  • Emperor Nyah
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Emporer
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Enchanter
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Enforcer
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • EntebbeNorth London
    Still playing

    North London, formed 1978. Led by Ras P with Ras Tuffy Irie and Gadman.

  • Enterprise Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Erisian
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Errol T ConnectionUK (area not recorded)
    Possible match

    Not found. Possibly linked to Errol Arawak of King Earthquake (Birmingham), but that is unconfirmed.

  • Errol T Connection AKA ET
    See Errol T Connection
  • Exodus
    See Exodus Collective
  • Exodus CollectiveMarsh Farm, Luton
    Legacy

    Luton (Marsh Farm). Free-party collective 1992–2000; later reformed as Leviticus.

  • Exterminator
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it

F

  • F.O.C.Surrey
    Possible match

    Surrey free-party rig, 2000–2005, listed in the Alan Lodge free party hall of fame.

  • Falcon Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Far I
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Fatman Hi-FiTottenham
    Legacy

    Tottenham. Ken “Fatman” Gordon; Fatman Records and KG Imperial labels. Died December 2024.

  • Fatman Hifi
    See Fatman Hi-Fi
  • Firmly RootedBristol
    Still playing

    Bristol roots sound that powers Teachings in Dub and many roots, jungle and bass nights; Joe Peng of Laid Blak is involved. Featured in a documentary filmed at their…

  • First Choice
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Fitawari
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Foundation Outernational
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Foundation SoundNorfolk
    Still playing

    Norfolk. Founded 1980 by Tony Roots and named by Joseph Hill of Culture. Also a record label.

  • Freddie Cloudburst
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Freedom Masses
    See Freedom Masses Sound System
  • Freedom Masses Sound SystemManchester
    Still playing

    Long-running Manchester roots sound, billing itself as the original dub advertiser; it played Band on the Wall in 1993. In December 2025 it joined Union Sound System…

  • Freedom Sound
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Frontline InternationalUK (area not recorded)
    Legacy

    1980s UK sound; Asher Senator deejayed on it.

G

  • Gemi Magic
    See Gemini
  • GeminiKingston, Jamaica
    Legacy

    Gemini was the Jamaican champion sound of 1981. Gemi Magic is listed among UK sounds, but nothing more was found.

  • Gemini Don
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Genesis Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • GhettotoneLondon
    Legacy

    London, early 1980s. Named in Lezlee Lyrix’s 1983 lyric as “the cream of the crop”.

  • Gladdy WaxStoke Newington
    Still playing

    London. Notting Hill Carnival at 304 Portobello Road for 35+ years; ex-Quaker City selector. Ran Wax Unlimited, Stoke Newington.

  • Graffics International
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Great TribulationActon
    Legacy

    Acton, west London, formed 1978 (Robert Tribulation, Joey Jay, Percy and Phillip Henry). Won the West London Sound System Cup. Continues as Word Sound & Power.

  • Green King Cuts
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Gypsy
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it

H

  • HawkeyeLondon
    Possible match

    Hawkeye Records is a London reggae label. No sound system of that name was found.

  • Heartbeat Rockers
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Heatbeat
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Heavytone Hi-FiBrighton
    Possible match

    Custom-built reggae sound, a regular guest at the Roots Garden sessions at Concorde 2.

  • Heavyweight
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Hemulen Soundz
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Heritage Hi Power
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Herron Sound
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • High Pressure
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • High Priest
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • HighGrade
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Highness
    See Highness Sound System
  • Highness Majestic
    See Highness Sound System
  • Highness Sound SystemNottingham
    Legacy

    Nottingham roots and dub sound started in September 1998 by Ben and Raffiki, who met at Wisbech College; it began as Highness Majestic. In the 2000s it ran monthly…

  • HighteousSouth-east London
    Legacy

    South London. Played alongside Saxon at Deptford’s Rollerball park in 1983.

  • Hometown
    See Hometown Sound System
  • Hometown Promotion Sound System
    See Hometown Sound System
  • Hometown Sound SystemGlasgow
    Still playing

    Glasgow sound led by James Whelan (Rub a Dub Rocker), who apprenticed with Mungo's Hi Fi in 2012 and ran Walk n Skank at The Berkeley Suite before starting Hometown.…

  • Human Unity
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Humble LionUK (area not recorded)
    Possible match

    Only a 1988 release, “Humble Lion – Pirates On Shore”.

  • Hustler
    See Disco Hustlers

I

J

  • Jah Amega
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah Baron
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah Ceaser
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah Cecil
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah Equator
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah Hamma
    See Jah Hamma Sound System
  • Jah Hamma Sound SystemBirmingham
    Still playing

    Birmingham roots and dub sound established in 2007, which marked ten years in 2017. Runner-up to King Earthquake in the 2009 Jah Works Dub Cup, and has played alongside…

  • Jah Kingdom
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah Leveller
    See Jah Leveller Hi-Fi
  • Jah Leveller Hi-FiRye
    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.

  • Jah LionHuddersfield
    Possible match

    Huddersfield sound founded by Michael Moore (Bones), who came from Jamaica in 1967.

  • Jah Longers
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah Love
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah MafiaTone Hi-FiBirmingham
    Possible match

    Possibly Jah MafiaTone HiFi, Birmingham 1975–80 (Stafford Douglas).

  • Jah Man
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah Marcus
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah MassaganLeyton
    Still playing

    Leyton, east London, since 1972 (spelt Jah Massagan). Lloyd Morris and amp builder Tony Mass; now Lloyd and his son Eljay.

  • Jah Massigan
    See Jah Massagan
  • Jah ObserverThornton Heath
    Still playing

    Thornton Heath, Croydon, since 1973 (first called Tippertone). Spiderman (Austin Palmer) and Ras Rudy. Carnival 25+ years.

  • Jah Observer AKA Mighty Observer
    See Jah Observer
  • Jah Rebel
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah Revelation
    See Jah Revelation Muzik
  • Jah Revelation MuzikLondon
    Still playing

    London. Formed 1980 from King Rastafari, Fugitive and Revelation; MCs include Culture, Ambassador and Preacher Levi.

  • Jah Rocker
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah Rockers
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah Scorcher
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah ShakaSouth-east London
    Legacy

    South-east London, from 1969/70. The “Zulu Warrior” died in April 2023; family events continue as Dance for Shaka.

  • Jah Spirit
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah SuffererLondon
    Legacy

    London. Dennis Bovell’s sound (Matumbi), 1976–80; compiled as “Sufferer Sounds” (2024).

  • Jah Superior
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah Tom
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah TrinityUK (area not recorded)
    Legacy

    Billed in a Jah Shaka meets Jah Trinity dance. Nothing more found.

  • Jah Tubby'sLondon
    Still playing

    London, since 1972 (Jah Tubby’s World System). Also cuts dubplates and builds amps and speakers.

  • Jah Vengeance
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah WarriorUK (area not recorded)
    Still playing

    Steve Mosco. Label, sound system and band.

  • Jah Warrior Hifi
    See Jah Warrior
  • Jah Whitey
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah Wisdom
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jah YouthLondon
    Still playing

    London. Known for red-painted boxes; co-founder Alan Rolle died October 2023.

  • Jah Youthman
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jama
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jamdown RockersUK (area not recorded)
    Legacy

    Named in a roll-call of UK sounds with Coxsone, Saxon, Unity and Java. Nothing more found.

  • Jameeks
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • JavaUK (area not recorded)
    Legacy

    Named in a roll-call of UK sounds with Coxsone, Saxon, Unity and Jamdown Rockers. Nothing more found.

  • Jonny Rockers
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Joshua Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Jungle Man
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it

K

  • Kaotik
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Kendra (the Young) Lion
    See Young Lion
  • Kenyata Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Kibir La AmlakUK (area not recorded)
    Still playing

    Roots and culture sound from the 1990s, spelt Kibir La Amlak. Studio and label too.

  • Kibir-Am-Lack
    See Kibir La Amlak
  • KillerwattNotting Hill
    Still playing

    Notting Hill Carnival since 1982, St Luke’s Road. Family sound run by George Shaw (DJ PoppaShaw).

  • Kilowat Turbotronic
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • King AlphaLondon
    Still playing

    London. Ras Joseph (from Ghana); sound built from 2004. Studio and label.

  • King BroadwayHuddersfield
    Possible match

    Played the Deighton Centre, Huddersfield in 2001 with Bigga Puss Pusey and Ricky Trooper.

  • King David
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • King Dick
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • King EarthquakeBirmingham
    Still playing

    Birmingham. Errol Arawak, late 1970s; first called Mighty Earthquake. Back since 2000; also a label.

  • King EdwardsKingston, Jamaica
    Legacy

    Jamaican 1950s sound (Vincent “King” Edwards).

  • King George
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • King Hifi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • King I Man
    See King Iman
  • King ImanHuddersfield
    Possible match

    Resident sound at Huddersfield's Venn Street.

  • King Iwah
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • King Josiah
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • King Judah
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • King Lion RootsUK (area not recorded)
    Possible match

    Possibly King Lion Roots Sound System (UK).

  • King MaestroHuddersfield
    Legacy

    Huddersfield sound that began in 1980 as Mount Zion and took the name King Maestro in 1987. Won the North of England Cup Clash in 1989 and beat the Jamaican sound…

  • King Mafia
    See Jah MafiaTone Hi-Fi
  • King Nazarite
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • King Nazera
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • King Negus
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • King OriginalEast London
    Still playing

    East London, since 1973. Founded by Clifton Carnegie (Ras Wazair, d. 2021); now run by his son Footsie.

  • King Solomon Hi Power
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • King Tafari
    See King Tafari Love Muzic
  • King Tafari Love Music
    See King Tafari Love Muzic
  • King Tafari Love MuzicBrighton
    Still 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…

  • King Tropical
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • King Tubby'sBrixton
    Still playing

    Brixton. Started March 1970 by Cecil Rennie; dubplate pioneers; at Carnival since 1985.

  • King Warrior
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Kings Hi-Fi
    See Kings Hi-Fi UK
  • Kings Hi-Fi UKLewes
    Still 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…

  • Kings Hifi
    See Kings Hi-Fi UK
  • Krypton
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • KTLM
    See King Tafari Love Muzic

L

  • Liberator Esq
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Lion Roots
    See King Lion Roots
  • Lion Star
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Lionheart
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • LionpulseBristol
    Still playing

    Roots, dub and dancehall sound active since 2008, known for warm, heavy basslines; has played Boomtown with Sinai.

  • Little Simple
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Livewire
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Lloyd The MatadorKingston, Jamaica
    Legacy

    Jamaican. Lloyd Daley (1939–2018), Matador label.

  • Locks City
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Locomotion
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Lone Star Disco
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Lord AmbassadorTottenham
    Possible match

    Roots sound with Alvin Roots and MC Decos; played Roots on the Corner with Roots Sensation in 2026.

  • Lord Collie
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Lord Creation
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Lord David Imperial Hi-Fi
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Lord GellysNotting Hill
    Still playing

    Founded in 1964 by Fitzgerald "Farda" Gelly, who came from Jamaica in 1961 and started with blues spots. Plays dancehall at Notting Hill Carnival outside 47 Cambridge…

  • Lord Ishamala Disco Mix
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Lord Isis
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Lord KoosKingston, Jamaica
    Legacy

    Early Jamaican operator, a contemporary of Tom the Great Sebastian.

  • Lovelite
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Lovers Magic Sound
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it

M

  • Maasai WarriorSt Pauls, Bristol
    Still playing

    Bristol, St Pauls, since 2010. Seven-piece roots and dub crew.

  • Mad Professor / AriwaSouth London
    Still playing

    South London. Ariwa studio and label since 1979.

  • MastermindHarlesden
    Still playing

    London NW10, late 1970s. Soul, hip hop and electro; Carnival regulars.

  • Messenger
    See Messenger Sound System
  • Messenger Sound SystemEdinburgh
    Still playing

    Scotland's original roots sound, founded in Edinburgh in 1987 by Stevie from Dundee after studying London's sound systems. Runs a long-standing monthly session at The…

  • MessiahLeeds
    Possible match

    Hyde Park, Leeds sound that battled Concrete Lion around 1977.

  • Mighty Oak
    See Mighty Oak Sound
  • Mighty Oak SoundEdinburgh
    Still playing

    Edinburgh-based roots and dub collective whose hand-built sound system was established in 2008 at Roberton near Hawick. Founders Jofis and Ben have collected vinyl and…

  • Mighty Oak Sound System
    See Mighty Oak Sound
  • Militant Youth
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Moorland Rockers
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Mount Zion
    See King Maestro
  • Mungo's Hi FiGlasgow
    Still playing

    Glasgow sound founded in 2000 by Tom Tattersall and Doug Paine; runs the Scotch Bonnet label (2005). Albums include Sound System Champions (2009).

N

  • Natural Selectas
    See Natural Selectas Sound System
  • Natural Selectas Sound SystemUlverston
    Still playing

    Dub reggae sound system from Ulverston in south Cumbria, running sessions since 2017.

  • Negus Ashanti
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Neverlution
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • NFA (No Fixed Abode)
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • North Fire SoundCumbria
    Still playing

    Collective from the far north of England, at the crossroads with Scotland, playing "music without borders": dub reggae, jungle, drum & bass, dubstep, hip hop and house.…

  • Northwest Originals
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Nucleus RootsManchester
    Still playing

    Manchester roots act established in 1996, growing out of the band Community Charge as a studio for local reggae talent. Became a digital live act in 1998, played…

  • Nzinga SoundzLondon
    Still playing

    One of the UK's longest-running all-women sound systems, founded in the mid-1980s by DJ Ade (Lynda Rosenior-Patten) and Junie Rankin (June Reid). June Reid died in…

O

  • Odyssey
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Ohm
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • One Love Sound SystemLancaster
    Possible match

    Lancaster roots and culture sound run by Brother Steve Jah:vis; supported Nucleus Roots in Morecambe in 2015.

  • One Nation Sound
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Operation
    See Operation Sound System
  • Operation Sound SystemPreston
    Still playing

    Custom-built Lancashire reggae and dub rig from Preston and Blackburn, a "North West heavyweight" that has toured the UK and Europe every year since 1996. Also a record…

P

  • Pineapple TribeGuildford
    Legacy

    Woking and Guildford free-party trance crew from 1994; later at Carnival and Glastonbury.

  • Platinum Soul SoundShepherd's Bush
    Still playing

    First party in 1982 on Goldhawk Road, Shepherd's Bush. Played soul and lovers rock at London parties and blues dances into the early 1990s; at Notting Hill Carnival…

  • Power Surge Sound SystemEast Grinstead
    Possible match

    All-vinyl reggae, ska, rocksteady, dancehall, roots and dub; played the Sussex Arms in August 2024.

Q

  • Quaker CityHandsworth, Birmingham
    Still playing

    Handsworth, Birmingham. Founded in 1964 by Karl Irving from Montego Bay; started with ska, then reggae. Competed for the Gold Cup at Digbeth Civic Hall in 1979, and its…

  • Quantro
    See Quantro Tone
  • Quantro ToneSt Ann's, Nottingham
    Still playing

    Started in 1973 as Iron City by nine young friends in Nottingham and renamed Quantro in 1974, after the four speakers in each box. Still uses its original home-built…

  • Quantro Tone Sound System
    See Quantro Tone

R

  • Rampage SoundNotting Hill
    Still playing

    Notting Hill Carnival, Colville Square since 1992 (Mike Anthony). The largest static sound at Carnival.

  • Raze
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • RC1London
    Still playing

    Radical Concept mk1: a drum & bass and jungle rig built for full-spectrum bass, used at events such as Signal day parties at Phonox.

  • RDR Sound System
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Real Roots
    See Real Roots Sound System
  • Real Roots Sound SystemLondon
    Still playing

    London roots promotion running events since 2009; its own sound system launched in 2016, a traditional hand-built, four-scoop, pre-amp-run analogue system. Strictly…

  • Rebel Sound
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Reggae RoastKentish Town
    Still playing

    London, since 2007 (first Kentish Town pub Sundays).

  • Riddim Killa
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Roaring Lion
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Roots Garden
    See Roots Garden Sound System
  • Roots Garden Sound SystemBrighton
    Still 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…

  • Roots SensationTottenham
    Still playing

    Began as a vinyl collector and DJ in Sicily in 2001 and moved to London in 2009, co-founding the Roots Traders and Digital Traders labels in 2013. The sound system…

  • Roots Sensation Sound System
    See Roots Sensation
  • Roots Soup
    See Rootsoup Soundsystem
  • Roots Soup Sound System
    See Rootsoup Soundsystem
  • Rootsoup
    See Rootsoup Soundsystem
  • Rootsoup SoundsystemTorquay
    Still playing

    Torquay sound known for its deep, clean sound and dub sessions, holding it down on the South West reggae scene for years. Played with Taunton's Tansha Soundsystem at 61…

S

  • Sativa
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Saxon Studio InternationalLewisham
    Still playing

    Lewisham, 1976 (Lloyd “Musclehead” Francis, Dennis Rowe). Fast-chat MCs: Maxi Priest, Tippa Irie, Papa Levi, Smiley Culture. Saturdays at Boisdale, Canary Wharf.

  • Scrapyard
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Seleucid SoundSheffield
    Still playing

    Handmade Sheffield dub sound system founded in 2024, running 18-inch scoops and kicks with Paraflex 12-inch tops.

  • Sensi Sound System
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Serial
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Sideline
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Sinai Sound SystemSheffield
    Still playing

    Sheffield. Founded by Huw “Cheff” Williams; grew from three boxes to 200,000+ watts.

  • Sir Coxsone OuternationalSouth-west London
    Still playing

    London since the 1960s; run by Lloyd “Coxsone” Blackford.

  • Sir LloydSouth London
    Still playing

    South London sound started in 1979 by Lloyd Roberts, who had been DJing since 1976; known as the ladies' choice at parties. At Notting Hill Carnival since 1986 with…

  • SkyPod
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • SolutionNorth London
    Still playing

    London roots reggae sound, active since the late 1990s. Known for outdoor sessions at Stoke Fest (Clissold Park), Fin Fest (Finsbury Park) and Hackney Carnival. Took…

  • Soul II SoulNorth London
    Still playing

    London. Jazzie B’s sound from 1982; Africa Centre nights.

  • SP23
    See Spiral Tribe
  • Spiral TribeUK (area not recorded)
    Legacy

    Travelling free-party techno sound from 1990. Played Castlemorton Common in May 1992; thirteen members were tried for public order offences in one of the longest and…

  • Stinky Pink
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Strugglers' Sound SystemLiverpool 8
    Possible match

    Played Granby Street, the Liverpool 8 "Frontline", through the 1970s and 80s.

  • Studio CitySmall Heath, Birmingham
    Legacy

    Small Heath sound founded in 1970 that became known for entertaining audiences around the country. It inspired the teenagers who went on to form UB40, as told in the…

  • Sub-Culture Audio
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Subliminal Audio
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Suga-Head Movement
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • SuperchargeBristol
    Possible match

    Billed by The List as one of the most powerful active-speaker sound systems in the UK. Nothing more has been confirmed yet.

T

  • Tansha SoundsystemTaunton
    Possible match

    Taunton's hand-built rig; played with Rootsoup in July 2025.

  • Techno TravellersSurrey
    Possible match

    Surrey free-party techno rig, 1991–93, listed in the Alan Lodge free party hall of fame.

U

  • Unique Star
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it
  • Unit 137Deptford
    Still playing

    Deptford Market Yard, Lewisham, since 2012. Hand-built super-scoops; sound, studio and label.

  • UnityEast London
    Possible match

    Possibly Unity, the north-east London sound of Robert “Ribs” Fearon (mid–late 1980s), home of the Ragga Twins.

  • Urban Vox
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it

V

W

  • The Wild BunchSt Pauls, Bristol
    Legacy

    Bristol, St Pauls. Residency at the Dug Out; became Massive Attack.

  • Wee Audio
    No public trace yet Know this sound? Tell us about it

Y

  • Yagga RootsHuddersfield
    Legacy

    Henry Lowe's Huddersfield sound, about 40 years old by 2016. It grew from a single 50-watt guitar amp and speakers salvaged from old televisions.

  • Young LionSouth-west London
    Possible match

    Possibly Young Lion, the south-west London sound filmed with Coxsone in the 1981 documentary “Sound Business”.

  • Youthman
    See Armagideon

Z

  • Zion-InnaVisionHuddersfield
    Possible match

    Huddersfield sound owned by MC-selector Marshall.

Ran a sound, chatted on one or carried the boxes? Add your sound system to the register.