Sir Coxsone
Royal Ascension Sound @ Butetown Community Centre, Cardiff Bay
Fri 3 Aug
“Coxsone sound is the number one sound,” says a sample from a two-year-old Father Festus mix. Sir Coxsone, the duo of Lloydie Coxsone and Father Festus from Kingston, Jamaica, have been stalwarts of reggae, dub and roots for a few decades. They’re still producing with their easy-going charm and love of long established reggae mixes.
The late Clement ‘Sir Coxsone’ Dodd’s Sound System was hugely influential in 70s UK reggae, before 80s dancehall took over, and is the group’s namesake. His traditional sound still stands true to this day and finds its roots in Jamaican culture.
Butetown has long been a hub for the city’s Afro-Caribbean population, and will now open its community centre doors for an evening of “oneness”. Sir Coxsone will be accompanied “wid full crew” and locals Royal Accession Sound – “Cardiff Roots Ambassadors” and tonight’s promoters – and Dirty Harry will serve up further dubplates.
The combination of well-known artists and local talent is a structure often used – in this case, providing a place for reggae heads and members of the community to appreciate the classic sound. As well as being swayed by the sounds of roots and dub, the food stalls are set to provide the full Caribbean experience in one evening.
words Campbell Prosser
Tickets: £10. Info: 07512 031958