10 October 2015 to 3 January 2016
Rockers, Soulheads & Lovers: Sound Systems Back In Da Day is a new exhibition exploring the golden era of African-Caribbean sound systems from the 1960s to the early 1980s, curated by Michael McMillan in collaboration with Gary Stewart, Trevor Mathison (Dubmorphology) and New Art Exchange.
Sound systems originated from Jamaica and began to emerge in the UK from the 1950s onwards, creating an important space where the Black community could dance and listen to their music of choice. Sound systems are custom made, high powered, mobile hi fis. Box Boys and Engineers would 'string up' sound systems for a dance and the Selectors would play vinyl records with Toasters/MCs 'chatting' on the mic.
Taking the form of an atmospheric audio visual installation, the exhibition will capture the sights, but more importantly, the sounds of blues parties and shebeens. Early sound system pioneers from Nottingham and the 'ravers' who danced wherever they 'played out' feature in the exhibition. They share their personal stories, their film footage and photographs from the era.
The University of Nottingham University Park Nottingham, NG7 2RD
email:C3R@nottingham.ac.uk