BLACK OBSIDIAN SOUND SYSTEM(B.O.S.S.)
Turner Prize 2021
Herbert Art Gallery & Museum
29 September 2021 - 12 January 2022
Black Obsidian Sound System (B.O.S.S.) was established in 2018 to bring together a community of queer, trans and non-binary black people and people of colour involved in art, sound and radical activism. Following the legacies of sound system culture they wanted to learn, build and sustain a resource for collective struggles. The London-based system is available to use or rent by community groups and others with the purpose of amplifying and connecting them.
The exhibition features two distinct but connected spaces. The inner space is a reconfiguration of The Only Good System is a Sound System, an immersive environment combining film, light, a sound score and sculpture, exhibited at FACT for Liverpool Biennial (2021). Weaving together archival images, the installation reflects the ways in which marginalised groups have developed methods of coming together against a background of repression and discrimination in the UK. It positions sound culture as a source of collective strength and encounter, where kinship is found and reciprocated. B.O.S.S. considers the speaker as a totem for creating a sacred space, where one can be moved, and experience collective pleasure and healing.
The second space makes the collective’s working practices and artistic labour visible. It will be an evolving discursive/studio space to archive, document and connect with invisibilised communities in the local area, and amplify their collective voice. B.O.S.S will host a livestream radio broadcast in collaboration with community radio group Hillz FM, and hold a workshop to build the Baby B.O.S.S. system in conjunction with local activist and community groups in Coventry.
Black obsidian is a smooth volcanic rock formed by the quick heating and cooling of lava. It is known as a stone of truth, of protection, of security, and for cultivating a feeling of stability from within. Black obsidian repels negative energy and discordant vibrations. It amplifies and transmits high frequencies and demonstrates the appearance of light within darkness.
Interviewee Profiles
Carole Wright
Carole Wright, founding member of Blak Outside, is a creative urban activist, community gardener and beekeeper. Carole currently works with The White House Dagenham, Tate Modern and Peabody Trust. Carole has previously worked with Tate Britain, The Showroom, Whitechapel Art Gallery and St Mungo’s to develop creative community projects, lead workshops and walks. Carole currently manages two community gardens, Brookwood Triangle and Peabody Blackfriars in Southwark, South London and is a fellow of the 2021 Support Structures for Support Structures programme at the Serpentine Gallery, London.
“Sound system means to me, is collective, I love the idea of a collective of people coming together and no-one dominating the space, this is always what I understood from when I was growing up, and my brother started to get into sound system. And it was, it’s the records, who’s got the record, I know it’s different now with the, you know, digital technology, but sound system always is a celebration to me, to see those boxes, I know it’s different, but I’m calling for the big boxes with the bass, to me it’s always, it always symbolises family gathering, celebration. Because when we went to Jamaica, my mother and I, the first time I went to Jamaica was ’91 with my mum, the sound system was set up for three days and three nights.”
Sisters in Dub
© Tv Trev Photography
Sisters in Dub are a new all-female Sound System collective comprised of Cherelle Harding, Danniella Dee & Dj Kat (Katrina Burchell). Growing up in Coventry, all 3 of the Sisters have unique musical journeys. From classical training, Gospel, Reggae, 2 tone foundations & growing up in Sound System families – These influences and experiences have led to and inspired the birth of Sisters in Dub.
The collective was originally formed in 2019. Initially wanting to host regular ‘Dub Clubs’ within their city after recognising there not being much of a ‘scene’ in Coventry. ‘Coventry Dub Club’ was set to Launch in 2020. Unfortunately, Covid 19 hit – meaning that the initial plans could not continue.
Fast forward, the group relaunched in 2021 busting on to the scene after taking part in a series of sound system events in Coventry. Playing out live for the first time, Sisters in Dub were the only females on the line up and played against some of Coventry’s finest sound systems. Their infectious energy and carefully thought-out selection of Roots, Dub & Steppers (with a twist), lead them to claiming the title and winning their rightful crowns on the Dub & Roots night.
Sisters in Dub are undoubtedly the most exciting prospect to emerge from Coventry for some time – The all-female chariot of fire aims to reignite the sound system flame in their hometown, inspire the next generation and continue to put Coventry on the map.
Representing for women in a male dominated scene, Sisters in Dub tread the path between energetic dub, deep roots, sweet melodic vocals & vibrant live performance - while keeping that raw authentic sound system vibe.
Having shared stages with sound system veterans, shaking foundations & setting the room alight at their last live set, Sisters In Dub are just in their infancy.
With an intoxicating stage presence, BIG female energy and immense love for JAH JAH music - Sisters in Dub are the future of Sound System Culture.
© Tv Trev Photography
© Chris Lloyd
Nzinga Soundz
Nzinga Soundz was established in the early 1980s by Lynda Rosenior-Patten aka DJ Ade and June Reid aka Junie Rankin. The sound has played at concerts, corporate events and community-based events across the UK and in France, Italy, the Gambia, Barbados and Sierra Leone. They have also presented papers at conferences at Goldsmiths College, University of London, the University of East Anglia, and Birmingham City University and contributed to Narratives from Behind the UK Reggae Bassline and Sonic Vibrations (Writers Mosiac).
Valerie V/Lady V
For almost 60 years, V Rocket International has dominated sound system culture in Nottingham. Starting out with a 50-watt sound system, V Rocket’s popularity took them from playing at house (blues) parties, to venues all over the world.
“This was definitely going to be my journey on earth [laughs]. It’s been a part of me from, like I said from the age of seven, would I do anything different, would I have enjoyed anything different? I don’t know, because like I said it’s been my journey all this time, for all my life, music has been what I do, what I enjoy doing, what I help other people to encourage to do, the sound system culture has been my life, eat it, sleep it, walk it, dream it, dance it, everything you can possibly think of, it’s just been my journey.”
Over time, V Rocket has been hosted by various selectors and MCs; however it was when brothers Ruben and Parliament joined the sound that the transformation truly began; this transformation continued with the introduction of Lady Vee whose arrival made V Rocket unique as it was the first sound system in the UK to be co-run by a woman. She was highly respected for the knowledge she brought to the sound which in turn protected her in what was and remains, a male dominated industry.
As the sound continued to maintain its presence in the UK scene, Valerie also saw it important to expand V Rocket's international footprint, taking regular bookings in Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Portugal, Belgium as well as USA, Gambia and of course, Jamaica.
Added to that, with her rich network, knowledge, experience she is a trusted booking agent of DJs and artists on the juggling circuit - working on behalf of high profile players including Tony Matterhorn, Metro Media Sound and Mighty Crown.
In short, in one of the most male dominated areas of the scene, Lady V continues to thrive.
Yvonne Taylor
Yvonne Taylor, was one of the founding members of a collective of Black female promoters - Sistermatic, a lesbian-run sound system along with Eddie Lockhart, Lorna Edwards and Sharon Lee. They put on a monthly party at the South London Women’s Centre on Acre Lane, Brixton, from 1986 until 1992. It provided a space for Black queer women to feel safe, celebrated, and party to good music. She went on to run several other club nights and for the past 15 years has been the promoter of Sunday Happy Days, a club night held at various venues across central London.
Sistermatic flyer, February 1989, Glasgow Women's Library
Whilst Sistermatic was aimed at black women - its success saw the arrival of other marginalised lesbians dykes and queers including other Asian both south and east. We also saw the likes of the rebel dykes, a marginalised punk dyke group. More than any other club of the time we were in a club of our own and other non black and brown women were loving the music and vibe.
Yvonne Taylor, Sunday Happy Day event
“So we set up this party at the South London Women’s Centre, which, you know, cost us I think it was £10 to hire, we got a club room, we got a kitchen with a café, we had a games room, basically had the whole room for a tenner. But it became, and it became a monthly event, which we ran from ’88 to I think ’94, ’95, on a monthly basis. And it was kind of based on the concept of a shebeen except that I insisted on there being some lights, because you know, who goes out, buys new clothes, gets ready all day and then like hides themselves up in the dark, not me [laughs].”
Yvonne Taylor sporting a Sistermatic T-shirt in Clapham North, 1988. Photo courtesy of Yvonne Taylor
