Edna Martinez - Sound System Culture in Bogotá

Colombian sound system culture has a long and varied history. In cities like Cartagena and Barranquilla, colorful sound systems known as picós have played a mix of music from Jamaica, Ghana, Congo and the Arab world, in addition to salsa and champeta. The mobile discos are usually family-owned and passed through generations. They have their own names and visual identities, and serve as centers for neighbourhood life and musical memory. They have also laid the groundwork for musical innovation. 

The DJ and visual artist Edna Martinez is a native of Cartagena, and she grew up in this environment. The Berlin-based creator released Picó: Sound System Culture From The Colombian Caribbean, a compilation which serves as an entry point and history lesson, with sounds from all over the globe. It also tells a story about musical resistance in low-income neigbhourhoods. At Beccos new listening chamber during Oslo World, Martinez will invite the listener to delve deep in sound system culture from Bogota, expanding on its rich and varied history. 

Edna Martinez will also DJ at Becco on wednesday, as part of the launch of the new edition of Lysløypa.