Two of Melbourne’s most unique custom sound systems come together in the intimate surrounds of Brunswick’s Howler Theatre to pay tribute to the sound system culture of Colombia and Brazil.

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This is special event is the first of its kind, and tickets will be limited - get in early to avoid disappointment.

El Gran Mono is the first picó sound system built outside Colombia, and features artwork by the great sound system artist William “El Maestro” Gutierrez. El Gran Mono is proud to feature surefire picótero; Jumps, Prince Bastard, and Julia Towers, together with MC Oscar Jimenez and dance-crew Selva y Tambó. Expect to hear sets heavy on Afro-Colombian and African sounds that picó are known for.

Solidarity is Melbourne’s preeminent renegade sound system, with a focus on righteous protest music. Solidarity features a heavyweight line-up of DJs, including Walla C, Lixxxtrado, and Joe Dubs, together with MC Mario Broder and dance-crew Dança Popular Brasileira. Expect a heady mix of Samba, Afro-Brazillian, Baile Funk, and more.

The Caribbean coast of Colombia is known as the origin of the picó sound system culture, which stretches back to the 1930’s when valve radios would be decorated in paint or chalk and blast the broadcast of Radio Barranquilla from people’s home. The 1970’s to 1980’s are often referred to as the “Golden-era” of picó, with giant elaborately decorated systems playing regularly throughout cities such as Barranquilla, Cartagena, and Santa Marta.

Brazil can lay claim to having one of the richest and most diverse sound system cultures in the world. Directly inspired by the sound systems of the Caribbean islands, the culture proliferated in the 1970’s from the State of Maranhão with its traditional radiolas. The culture did not stop there however, as Brazil also lays claim to the sonoros paraenses or aparelhagems; popularising rhythms such as tecnobrega and tecnomelody, the paredoes de funk (the walls of funk), and the trio electrico of the Carnival culture, just to name a few.

Both El Gran Mono and Solidarity Sound System are honoured to take part in helping share these cultures here in Melbourne.

Please join us for what will undoubtedly be the party of the year.