culture

March 4, 2026

‘We had no future. So we made a future for ourselves’: the untold history of Welsh reggae sound systems

A country known more for rock and choral music became a hotspot of the dub reggae sound system scene in the 70s. Rival crews recall Cardiff’s riotous parties – and racist hostility

‘We had no future. So we made a future for ourselves’: the untold history of Welsh reggae sound systems

TL;DR

  • The Welsh reggae sound system scene, particularly in Cardiff, emerged in the 1970s as a crucial outlet for Black youth experiencing racism and disillusionment.
  • Crews like Black International, Conqueror Hi Power, and Countryman built a strong community, organizing parties and participating in sound clashes across the UK.
  • Despite facing hostility, vandalism, and a lack of mainstream support, these sound systems provided a sense of belonging and empowerment.
  • Historians and activists are now working to document and preserve this overlooked history as much of the original footage and recordings are at risk of being lost.
  • The scene's legacy includes fostering artistic talent, such as Benji Webbe of Skindred, and highlighting the resilience and cultural contributions of the Black community in Wales.

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