When we talk about ‘soundsystem culture’, many will immediately think on Jamaica’s ones pumping (very) loud reggae or dancehall; while connected guys will also remember those big Kuduro’s sound systems (Portugal and Angola) or even these huge Baile Funk’s wall of speakers at Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. But the sound system culture is more spread out than one could imagine: in Cartagena, Colombia, there are also some of these resistance heros that work hard to bring good music – and culture, and attitude – to popular crowds for who music’s role goes far beyond the simple leisure. There they called the sound systems “piko’s” and the coolest one is undoubtedly the Systema Solar‘s.

This colombian solar system is a collective composed by people coming from a variety of music traditions, mixing caribbean vibes to african influences and southern-american roots. Not only they’re a great music act and tough party starters, this crew also focus in social insertion throught music, by their NGO “Intermundos”, offering DJ and music production courses to local youngsters. “Cumbias, bullerengue, champeta, laptop, drums and vinyl records, all spinning in global orbits of stereo laser flavor”, it’s their table of contents. Actually used to be, as they can now add “Ohm Force plug-ins” in their studio gear list and also their students’ music lab. We’re glad to send the OhmBoyz and the Ohm Force to join/support these great colombian music activists – vamos todos bailar con el Systema Solar! If you want to dive in their spicy sound universe, take a look at this video presentation or their “Mi Colombia” song’s video clip – or even better, download for free their full album… (more pictures following)