Jah Shaka’s legendary dubs, spiritual message and chest-rattling soundsystem have come to symbolize a deeper meaning in sound. Coming from Jamaica to London in the late ’50s, Jah Shaka’s young life was embedded within the black British immigrant experience: families building their own soundsystems and throwing house parties as a way to escape the racism and poverty that met so many of them on arrival. Having toured the world to spread his message of love, tolerance and spirituality for over 40 years, the Shaka sound remains a truly special one.

In his 2014 Red Bull Music Academy lecture, one of the original heroes of Rastafarian music culture reflected on coming to England, his first soundsystem experience, and more.