Two giants of Australia’s sound system community start the year off in the right way, returning together for a huge night of positive vibrations on Saturday 20 January at the Howler Theatre in Brunswick.

After a sold out show together in winter 2023, Melbourne’s original reggae and dub sound system Heartical Hi-Powa will again come together with Colombian style picó sound system, El Gran Mono in this cultural exchange of Caribbean sound system styles. 

Since it’s conception in 2002, Heartical Hi-Powa has made a significant contribution to Australia’s musical landscape. In 2018, Melbourne also became home to El Gran Mono—the first picó sound system built outside Colombia. This event will bring both together for a night dedicated to sharing the music and cultures that birthed these two unique local icons. 

El Gran Mono will feature picótero (DJs) JNETT, Boogie Monster, and Jumps, together with MC Kaimán Jiménez and dance-crew Ginga & Grooves with Amaryllis Ameto-Oylona. 

Heretical Hi-Powa will feature Stryka D at the controls with MCs Fitzroy Lee Stick Mareebo, plus General Purpose. 

 We acknowledge that we are on traditional lands of the Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nations. We offer our respect to the Elders of these traditional lands and, through them, to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.