JAMAICA’S culture took centre stage at Sound Fest Vibez in the Park held at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York, recently.

Promoters Irish and Chin were the organisers of the music festival that featured the who’s who of the sound system world. The event also commemorated Irish and Chin’s 20th anniversary milestone.

Rory Stone Love, Banky Hype, Blunt Posse, Soul Supreme, Platinum Kids, Killamanjaro, Bodyguard, Mighty Crown, Renaissance, Josey Wales, and the Sound Chat Radio x Irie Jam Radio clash entertained the huge crowd present.

Magnitude of music selections and great chemistry with the audience were winning ingredients for what proved to be a great outing.

The spectacular finale of Sami T of Mighty Crown and Jazzy T from Renaissance was definitely one for the books. During the ultimate show closer, the sound men went one for one, dropping scorchers and crowd favourites.

“Our success comes from the passion we have to see sound system culture grow,” said Garfield “Chin” Bourne. “We truly believe in the power of the craft and embrace all aspects of the culture. I have really enjoyed doing something I love the last 20 years of my life and seeing our visions for sound system culture come to fruition.”

A complete cultural and memorable time was experienced by all in attendance: From the infectious sounds of reggae and dancehall music blasting from the colossal speakers curated by the witty, skilled and entertaining selectors and sound systems to the cane man, juice man, and delectable Caribbean food.