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R.A.S. 2022
"At the first R.A.S, the gathering of Italian Sound Systems, there were six setups, until the last edition where we said it couldn't be done anymore because there were too many sounds! This is also evidenced by the festivals that have grown in Italy in the last 10 years; I believe that there is no province without a self-built sound system: this speaks volumes about what has been cultivated, regardless of which scene one has embraced, whether it's connected to dancehall with the dancers, dub, or roots."
- LAMPA DREAD -
Poster with soundsystems participating in the 2022 event.
What has been sown is born again, and finally, the gathering mentioned by veteran Lampa Dread has returned, reviving that wonderful tradition called Sound System.
On September 7, 2019, an important project dedicated to the culture and spread of true self-built Sound Systems was born. A significant gathering was born, destined to repeat over time. The RAS Nord Ovest was born at the Fornace di Rho, a true meeting of musical, cultural, creative, and technical sharing that involves realities from Genoa to Turin, passing through Milan and its province.
On June 25th and 26th, this show repeated itself at last, outdoors, in the spaces of Fornace in Rho, with the wall of speakers from the Italian Northwest Sound Systems, built and set up for the occasion.
These were two pivotal days for 2022, a year of reopenings and a return to social life; two days of reggae in the open space, creating seven sonic universes divided for the weekend, with the first four yards led by the aforementioned sounds as indicated on the poster.
Lampa Dread
Thanks to the long-standing friendship I have with the group Into the Groove, I had the pleasure of taking part in the event. Being a reggae enthusiast from my teenage years up to the present day, I didn't want to miss out on this opportunity. The social center, La Fornace in Rho, is located in a disused industrial area, so the ground is completely paved. Throughout the day, a brilliant sun illuminated the sky, although the humidity was stifling.
By my side for this exciting adventure, I had several friends who share my same passion for Jamaican music.
Furthermore, my friend Susy Zuppati joined me with her stall of necklaces, bracelets, and stones that she personally assembled.
The day started around 11 in the morning and extended late into the night.
The self-made soundsystem by the group Into the Groove.
My illustrations have achieved great success and were appreciated and well-received by the attendees, especially the paintings from my ARTist collection. The vests with the MrB89 Dragon patch received numerous compliments, which filled me with joy.
At one point, a young man from a soundsystem group in Genoa approached me, almost incredulous that in Italy we were "supporting" the Australian artist Tash Sultana. This sparked a pleasant conversation not only about the power of her music but also about the land of kangaroos, where I lived for almost a year and hold dear in my memories.
Photo encompassing some of my friends at the event that day.
The video is a precious portrait of that unforgettable day, capturing the moments spent at my booth and the infectious smiles that illuminated the atmosphere.
It is truly a wonderful experience to exhibit one's artwork and, at the same time, share precious moments with the people we are connected to for various reasons.
This combination of artistic expression and shared time creates a unique experience, enriching both my creative spirit and the bonds that unite me with those who appreciate and support my work.
MrB89 R.A.S. 2022 stall presentation.