Melbourne roots and dub selectors come together to support communities devastated by Hurricane Melissa.
Naarm Sound System Community, a collective of the roots and dub sound system crews in Melbourne, is hosting a fundraiser for Jamaica following devastating damage from Hurricane Melissa.
On 28 October, Jamaica experienced catastrophic destruction when the category five hurricane hit, bringing high winds, landslides and flash floods that caused an estimated $10 billion USD in damage to infrastructure and agriculture. Hurricane Melissa killed 102 people and displaced 90,000 across the island, leaving communities in urgent need of support.
Naarm Sound System Community has brought together some of the city’s best selectors to raise money for relief efforts, with all sales from the event going directly to the Jamaica relief fund. Jamaica Relief Dance features 10 sound systems on the lineup including Adrian’s Wall, Dub Divination, Goodys Hifi, Housewife’s Choice, Mama Char, Roots Fire Sound, Roots Time Sound, Rudi Sound, Solidarity Sound and Yabai Hifi. For those who can’t attend, donations can still be made through the QR code provided at the event.
Jamaica Relief Dance – Melbourne
- Where: QQQ St. Park, 2 Peel Street, Collingwood
- When: Saturday, 24 January, 7pm to 1am
- Tickets: Just $16, here
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Jamaica’s influence on global music culture runs deep, particularly in bass music and electronic genres that have shaped Melbourne’s renowned music scene. Reggae, dub and sound system culture originating from Jamaica have directly and indirectly influenced countless selectors, crews and dancefloors across Naarm/Melbourne, making the connection between the two scenes undeniable.
Sound system culture itself was born in Jamaica in the 1950s, evolving into a cornerstone of reggae, dub and dancehall music that would eventually spread worldwide. Without Jamaica’s pioneering contribution to bass culture and the sound system tradition, many of the dances, crews and selectors operating in Naarm today simply wouldn’t exist in their current form.
Naarm Sound System Community’s fundraiser offers an opportunity to give back to the place that started it all, bringing together the local roots and dub community to dance in unity while supporting those affected by Hurricane Melissa. Selectors from across the city’s sound system scene will be on the decks, creating a night that honours Jamaica’s legacy while raising crucial funds for recovery efforts.
Whether you’re a regular on the sound system circuit or just want to support a community in need, this event is a chance to pay respects through music and solidarity. If you can’t make it to the dance, donations are still welcomed and needed.
For more information, head here.
