Develop, Support, Promote - Original Sounds Collective Programme

It is no secret that within the sound system culture, there are noticeable disparities between men and women, especially when it comes to opportunities and exposure. The sound system culture is extremely male dominated and often seen as a ‘boys sport’ with leading figures who are predominantly male. This can naturally deter any woman looking to immerse herself into this space and for the women who already exist in this space, the lack of acknowledgement and visbility is enough to feel like progression is not possible. 

All is not lost, the tides are changing with new initiatives like Guinness’ ‘Original Sounds Collective’ programme. The brand recognises women’s contribution to sound system and therefore developed an initiative to bring change, by launching a progressive grassroots mentorship programme created specifically for women in Sound System. Notting Hill Carnival in particular, is one of the biggest street festivals in the world with over 36 sound systems famously taking over every corner of W10. With more extraordinary female talent changing carnvial sound system culture each year. On 14th August 2023, Guinness teamed up with the first woman to ever perform at Notting Hill Carnival, Linett Kamla, to celebrate the legendary and future female change makers by announcing the launch of the ‘Orginal Sounds Collective’, in hopes to inspire more women to enter the scene and to enable more women to push carnival culture forward. 

The support is born from the brand’s continued commitment to championing women and by identifying new areas in which to positively impact gender equality for women through Sound Systems. By supporting the formation of the collective, Guinness is helping to raise the profile of past, present and future women of Carnival by providing them with routes into the Carnival space.

In this interview, we caught up with South London legend, Pearl Boatswain aka Dubplate Pearl, who delves into the importance of the invitiave whilst sharing her deep connection with music. 

Why do you think women have struggled in sound systems compared to male counterparts?

“I wouldn’t say struggled is the right word here, I guess coming from an older female perspective, it just wasn’t the done thing to be asked or to participate in the day to day running of a sound system, as a lot of us were working full time or looking after children.”

Do you think there has been much progression since Linett first performed at Notting Hill Carnival? What do you think could be done and how much more progression is needed 

“A little, but not as much as could have been done - I think more publicity, awareness, events and advertising is definitely needed to enhance the progression of female DJs through the Original Sounds Collective - a much needed platform to showcase what we are doing.”

What are some of the struggles you’ve faced being in a male dominated industry?

“For me, I haven’t really had many struggles, the only negativity I have faced relates to the owership of my records, where I’ve been asked whether they are my "Dad’s/Brother’s or my Man’s" records!!!  I can never understand why they can’t accept that they are all mine, bought from a variety of record shops with fond memories too (apart from the odd ones I’ve borrowed from my Mum).”

Tell us more about the programme.. What's the aim of this initiative? Why do you think this initiative is needed?

“For my part, the programme and initiative is to develop/support and promote up and coming young female DJs with more opportunities and visibility. The initiative is needed to really make an important impact within the industry.”

How do you hope to inspire more women to enter the sound system scene?

“To give them a sense of confidence and ability.  Also where an opportunity arises i.e. like open deck sessions, to go along and show what you can do – that’s what I did in the early days.”

Why do you think mentorship is important?

“Mentoring/mentorship is important as a way to help identify solutions/ actions and to continually improve and develop new skills to pass on.”

Why do you think it’s important to push the culture forward and have a community-first mindset? – What are the benefits of this?

“It's very important moving forward, not just to have a community first mindset, but to take it to a wider audience, not just in music, but through education too.  The benefits through education will be substantial and open the gates for more dialogue and communication.”

As a culture/community, how do you think we could support women in sound systems better?

“By giving us more opportunities to participate in regular DJ events at well established venues and being able to hold your own at these events.”

You've now partnered with Guinness - how did this partnership come about and why is it important for the culture/women? 

“I was invited by Linett Kamala to participate in a mentorship initiative/collective focusing on bringing a change to the male dominance of sound system culture in the Notting Hill Carnival and to help encourage more female DJs to do so.”

Describe the feelings you get from DJing? What is your connection with music?what has music done for you?

“Happy and excited From my parents, sister and brother where we had music in our house everyday.  Memories of being taken to W G Stores in Shepherds Bush Market by my Mum who would buy all genres of music. The music has given me opportunities I never thought I would have this time in my life:   Participating at events with Boiler Room, Touching Bass, London Transport Museum's Friday Lates Caribbean events for two years, the Museum of London's Bassline of a City - Dub London Exhibition, Peckham and Camberwell Festivals, Hackney Carnival with NTS, The Southbank Centre's Shakedown with Ash Walker. 

•  Attending talks Bass Culture 70/50 Westminster University/Black Music Research Unit with Dr Mykaell Riley, Bass Culture UK with Dr Caspar Melville at SOAS University, Club Jamaica/Adidas coalition hosted by Hasseb Iqbal.   Playing in and around London, Italy and Portugal.  

• Articles for I-D Magazine, The Vinyl Factory, Vogue Magazine (Carnival Special) and The Guardian (Carnival Special). 

• Preparing an Arts Council Funded Project - "Revival is Survival"  https://dubplatepearl.co.uk

• Last, but not least, meeting my partner and fellow DJ, Toby Broom (aka Mr Swing Easy), together we are Camberwell Connection and have monthly shows on Balamii Radio and Eruption Radio - Toby has been ever so supportive and encouraging.”

How do you feel when people are receptive to the sounds?  

“Excited, wondering how the set will sound and whether my selections will be appreciated with the audience I’m DJing to and then being asked about the selections I’ve played afterwards, that makes me very happy.”