The Sound System
The first stack was completed in early 2016 after years of planning, sourcing and hand-building every speaker box.
The system today is a purpose-built instrument — each cabinet tuned, loaded and positioned to create a specific physical experience. Sub-bass you feel through your body - mids that kick and carry across crisp vocals and - tops that cut through without harshness.
Every cabinet was constructed, loaded and tuned in Kenya.
#MadeinKenya
The Crew
Kenya's first and only traditional reggae/dub sound system. 20 years in the making, built from the ground up in Nairobi. Three people. One mission — propagate sound system culture across East Africa.
Selekta Jay
The selector at the heart of Umojah. Jay's ear for roots and dub has driven the sound from day one. Responsible for the planning, logistics and operations that keep the machine running — and for reading the crowd when the stacks are up.
Rigmasta Joe
The architect behind the hardware. Joe built Umojah's stacks from scratch. He was a former crew member of Highness Sound System in Nottingham and an engineering degree holder — he makes it loud, clear and right.
Dread Steppa
The creative force behind the sound and the visuals. Dread Steppa's production work spans East Africa's leading music projects — Santuri Safari, Feke, Midi Minds. He shapes how Umojah sounds on record and how it looks on the street.
Collaborations and Festivals
- King Shiloh
- Lidj Shiloh
- Lavosti
- Kare
- Jah Pila
- Zikki
- Tippy I
- Black Chariot
- Micah Shemaiah
- 10000 Lions
- Long Fingah
- Mungos Hi-Fi
- Charlie P
- Cian Finn
- Kelissa
- Yaardcore
- Black Omolo
- Eva Lazurus
- Uwe Banton
- DJ Vadim
- Mark Irie
- Thristian
- Nyege Nyege
- Kilifi New Year
- Beneath the Baobab
- Kilele Summit
- Boiler Room
