Umba (Matsimela): Foundation Dubplates, Sound Clash History & Trinidad’s Sound System Legacy

Описание: Umba (Matsimela): Foundation Dubplates, Sound Clash History & Trinidad’s Sound System Legacy
In this episode of The Corie Sheppard Podcast, we sit with Umba, selector and driving force behind Matsimela, Trinidad & Tobago’s most formidable sound system. From playing records as a child to clashing on some of the world’s biggest stages, Umba breaks down the real history of sound system culture — not hype, not nostalgia, but lived experience.
We trace Matsimela’s rise from grassroots dances to World Clash appearances, unpack how dubplates were sourced, funded, and protected, and explore why Matsimela is known for having the deepest foundation dub box in the country. Umba shares behind-the-scenes stories involving icons like Bounty Killer, Capleton, Sizzla, Everton Blender, Buju Banton, Sean Paul, and more — plus what it really took to compete with international sounds like Mighty Crown, Panther, and Stone Love.
This is also a masterclass in sound clash strategy: momentum, psychology, crowd control, and why preparation — not volume — wins clashes. Beyond clashes, Umba reflects on radio’s golden era, building audiences before social media, mentoring younger selectors, and why sound system legacy must be documented, not diluted.
This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about Trinidad’s music history, sound system culture, dubplates, and the business behind the culture.
🎧 Click the link in our bio for the full episode.
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0:00 Welcome, Origins, And Early Links To Jamaica
5:30 Family, Picton Roots, And Building A Sound System
14:00 First Mic, Naming Matsimela
22:30 From School Dances To Grassroots Parties
30:00 Unity First Concert And Artist Relationships
39:30 Contracts, Costs, And Hard Lessons In Booking
47:00 The Dubplate Journey: King Tubbys To Blender
55:30 Signature Anthems, 24-Hour Parties, And Radio Breakthrough
1:04:00 Saturday Night Dominance And Shaping The Airwaves
1:12:00 Rivalries, Clashes, And World Clash 2002
1:22:00 Forward Strategy, Big Forwards, And Foreign Bookings
1:31:00 Texas War Stories, Studio Hustle, And Killer Sessions
1:41:00 Local Clash Culture: Shop Lock, Fully Loaded, Harvards