SOUND SYSTEM SHOWCASE

Sir David Rodigan, the unflappable British radio host who caught the “Reggae Bug” in the 1960s, will represent Europe in the upcoming Four Continent Sound System Showcase at Groovin’ In The Park, New York City’s premier reggae and R&B concert.

Concert organizers announced over the weekend that Rodigan will join Dynamq, the South Sudanese, African sound system selector, Jamaica’s legendary Bass Odyssey and Yard Beat from Japan, among other performers in the Sound System Showcase that takes place on Sunday, June 25 at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens.

Rodigan is no stranger to the limelight having played a pivotal role promoting reggae, particularly in Europe.

He came to prominence in Jamaica in the 1980s when he clashed with Barry G of JBC radio. He has worked at Capital 95.8FM, Kiss 100 and BBC Radio 1Xtra, and has won various awards, including being inducted into the Sony Radio Hall Of Fame’s Broadcaster Of The Year category.

Rodigan was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for “services to broadcasting” at Buckingham Palace.

In 2012, he won the ultimate sound clash when he was awarded the top prize at World Clash Reset in New York. He last appeared at Groovin’ In The Park 2019 with Barry G.

Jamaican singer Tarrus Riley.Photo by Winston Rodney

Dynamq, the “River Nile Crocodile”, emerged on the scene in 2005 after fleeing Sudan’s civil conflict and growing up in a refugee camp in Kenya.

He was crowned the Rumble champion, the Bermuda Triangle champion and the famous War Ina East championship in 2019.

“This is his first appearance at Groovin’ In The Park, and he is ready to unleash his musical might on fans,” Anthony Turner, the Jamaican-born, New York-based publicist for Groovin’ in The Park, told Caribbean Life over the weekend.

Turner said Bass Odyssey, the sound system from Jamaica, will represent South America. Last year they were crowned winners of the Sumfest Sound Clash at Pier One in Montego Bay.

Turner said their decorated career includes winning the UK Cup Clash Soundclash in 2014; the New York World Clash, Jamaica World Clash (2005 & 2012); and the Guinness Sounds of Greatness in 2010.

“Yard Beat sound system from Japan, the new kids on the block, are being touted as the new ‘Far East Rulers’ now that champions Might Crown have decided to pack it in this year,” Turner said.

“They made headlines in 2017 when they whipped veteran sound Bass Odyssey in the BOOM All Star Sound Clash in Jamaica,” he added. “It was a heated battle but they prevailed, coming out on top with a surprise victory.”

Turner said Groovin’ in The Park will return after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said award-winning reggae crooner Tarrus Riley will headline the festival.

“Tarrus is a solid performer. He is one of the most accomplished of the second generation of roots reggae singers out of Jamaica,” Turner said. “He has amassed an impressive catalog of hit songs, including ‘She’s Royal’, which was described by former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Hon. Edward Seaga as one of the definitive reggae songs of all times.”

Turner said this will be Tarrus’ second time performing at Groovin’ in The Park. In 2017, he joined Big Ship Captain Freddie McGregor, Ken Boothe and Leroy Sibbles backed by Lloyd Parks & We The People Band and a symphony orchestra.

Among the top tier acts who have graced the stage at Groovin in The Park are: Jimmy Cliff, Beres Hammond, Tessanne Chin, Jr Gong Marley, Beenie Man, Michael Bolton, Billy Ocean, Gladys Knight, Boyz 11 Men, Morgan Heritage, Coco Tea, Luciano, Stitchie, Sanchez, Barrington Levy, Marcia Griffiths, Freddy McGregor, Capleton, Leroy Sibbles, David Rodigan and Barry G.