IWD 2025: Women in Sound System Culture
As we celebrate International Women's Day 2025, we’re shining a light on the women who have shaped and continue to shape sound system culture.
Sound system culture has long been at the heart of Caribbean and Black British music, shaping the landscape of reggae, dancehall, dub, and jungle. From the streets of Kingston to the heart of St Pauls Carnival, sound systems have been an expression of community, creativity, and resistance. But despite its male-dominated reputation, women have always played a vital role in this culture.
The emergence of sound systems in Jamaica in the 1950s was a revolutionary moment, providing an alternative to formal music venues and giving communities access to the latest sounds. Though men were often the figureheads, women worked behind the scenes to make these systems possible. From funding and maintaining equipment to selecting records and running dances, women like Sister Ignatius – a key figure in early reggae education – were instrumental in shaping the music that sound systems spread.
By the 1970s and 80s, female DJs and selectors started stepping into the limelight. Women like Mama Nancy and Sister Carol became pioneering voices in reggae and dancehall, proving that the microphone was not just for men. Across the Atlantic, the UK’s growing sound system culture saw the rise of female selectors and MCs, challenging gender norms in a male-dominated space.
In Bristol, a city with a deep-rooted sound system culture, women similarly played key roles in shaping the scene, from behind-the-scenes organisation to stepping up as selectors and MCs. The tradition of strong female voices in reggae, dub, and jungle – genres that were born out of sound system culture – helped pave the way for the next generation.
Fast forward to today, and female-led sound systems are thriving. In Bristol and beyond, female selectors, engineers, and MCs are carving out space in the culture, bringing fresh energy.
St Pauls Carnival has always been a space where sound system culture thrives, and women are increasingly visible at the forefront. From established pioneers to emerging talent, female DJs and MCs continue to shape the sound of Carnival, ensuring that this cultural movement remains inclusive and representative of the communities it serves.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s contributions to the scene and look forward to a future where sound system culture is truly for everyone.