My First Sound System

by Randy DW

STRAIKA D X SoUsLeGrOunD | Photo Credit — Fabrice Mauvois

“MY FIRST SOUND SYSTEM”

“It was long, it was hot, it was surprising, and it only cost me 20 euros…”

I experienced my first Sound System on Saturday, October 21, at La Paillote du Carbet (you know, after what must be one of the last gas stations at the end of Martinique) with SoUsLeGrOunD.

SoUsLeGrOunD X SELEK TALI | Photo Credit — Fabrice Mauvois

Headlining were SELEK TALI, DJ KAPRISSON, STRAIKA, TIWONY & TYPICAL FEFE, selectors and artists from a bygone era… perhaps a bit too far back for me, as I’m still in my twenties (uh, 29 is still in the twenties, just so you know). Despite this generational gap, I’m in.

LA PAILLOTE DU CARBET

I was told this “evening” was a must-see event; five different people mentioned it to me in less than an hour. So, despite an attempt to join a gossip/cocktail night with some future friends… I’m strong, I resist, and decide to accompany my friend over there… to “Carbet.”

I know the place, having gotten lost there a few times when I wanted to disconnect. But this time is different; this time, there’s a stage that I found very professional. The usual small table lost in the middle of the podium has been replaced by a huge setup dressed in the colors of SoUsLeGrOunD, sending me a clear message:

“We didn’t come to play, my dear, hold on tight, it’s going to be something.”

SoUsLeGrOunD | Photo Credit — Fabrice Mauvois

As any respectable Martiniquan going out, I take a stroll to check out the drink menu at the bar, the dishes I might treat myself to if I get hungry, and of course, the faces present. Who knows, I might run into some familiar faces… and sure enough, I spotted my high school gym teacher (great teacher, by the way).

Oh my god where am I?

During my little tour, I notice something that pleases me: the mindset of the people present.

People who made the trip to come and “have fun” is becoming so rare. No princes or princesses, just music lovers who miss the times when they were in sync with what they listened to.

SoUsLeGrOunD X DJ KAPRISSON | Photo Credit — Fabrice Mauvois

So tonight is their night, and they’re determined to enjoy it, and it’s contagious; I want to have fun with them too!

LAST NIGHT A DJ…

Then comes the moment when I focus on the music. So, no, I don’t know this, nor that; this riddim sounds vaguely familiar, but I know it with different lyrics. Finally, there comes a session where familiar “sounds” follow one another (I want to thank my older brothers for filling my childhood with music my mother didn’t understand).

DJ KAPRISSON | Photo Credit — Fabrice Mauvois

And here we go (I didn’t tell you… once I get started, I don’t stop).

The selectors don’t relent either, as if their goal was to keep the vibe going and build the excitement for the artists.
My friend must have seen the joy on my face or at least noticed my satisfaction in my swaying (nothing too wild; it is still a Sound System).

THE SHOW

The artists then take the stage. Two things catch my attention:

STRAIKA D — TIWONY — TYPICAL FEFE | Photo Credit — Fabrice Mauvois

1 The length of their performances… I don’t understand; they’re there, putting on a show, interacting with the audience, and worse, they’re having fun, and it lasts… all for just 20 euros.

2 But can someone tell me what they’re carrying in their backpacks???? 🤔

TO DO AGAIN!

In the end, I found myself at Carbet, having an amazing evening in a hut that kept filling up as time went on, and I even met some people from my generation.
Dear friend, I know you wanted to introduce me to a scene you cherish and perhaps worried that I wouldn’t enjoy it, so I want to reassure you and say that I had a fantastic evening and I would do it again.

TYPICAL FEFE | Photo Credit — Fabrice Mauvois

Kudos to these artists and selectors who truly gave their all and poured their hearts into it, and hats off to SoUsLeGrOunD for this organization.

“In short, it was my first time.”

- The French Kribbean -