Various Artists - Edna Martinez Presents Picó: Sound System Culture From The Colombian Caribbean Various Artists
Pickup available at Dawson Street
Usually ready within 24-48 hours - Pre-order items available on day of release.
Berlin-based Colombian DJ, producer, and curator Edna Martinez presents a sonic journey into the electrifying world of Picó—the vibrant and dynamic sound system culture that has defined the streets of Cartagena and Barranquilla for decades.
More than just a musical movement, Picó is a way of life, a bold expression of identity, community, and resistance.
From its roots in the working-class neighbourhoods of Colombia’s Caribbean coast to its deep connections with Africa and the Caribbean, this compilation captures the pulse of a culture where music is played at full volume, rhythms travel across oceans, and dance is both a form of celebration and storytelling.
For those unfamiliar, Picós are hand-painted sound systems, often adorned with dazzling colours and striking imagery, each with its own name and sonic identity.
These mobile discos became the heart of neighbourhood bailes, where the sounds of champeta, highlife, soukous, mbaqanga, zouk, soca, and cumbia would turn every street corner, market, and terrace into a dancefloor.
Initially built by local craftsmen using modified speaker components, Picós became legendary for their powerful bass and exclusivity, with DJs sourcing rare vinyl from African and Caribbean ports and rebranding them with unique piconemas—new names adapted to local slang, making the tracks instantly recognisable within the community.
This compilation brings together a carefully curated selection of these rare and sought-after tracks, tracing the deep-rooted musical exchanges between Colombia, West and Central Africa, and the Caribbean.
Featuring artists like Los Corraleros De Majagual, Peacocks International Highlife Band, Pedro Lima, Zaïko Langa Langa, and more, the album also includes edits by Edna Martinez, reimagining these timeless rhythms for contemporary audiences while staying true to their original spirit.
Strut presents ‘Picó! Sound System Culture From The Colombian Carribbean’ across 2LP Vinyl, 1CD & Digital focusing on a celebration of the raw, undiluted energy of Picó culture.
Through Edna Martinez’s curation, and extensive liner notes, this compilation offers a powerful and authentic glimpse into one of the most vibrant musical traditions of the Colombian Caribbean
Track List
Side A
1. Wulomei – Takoradi
2. Conjunto Ana N’Gola – Puxa Odoette
3. Zeal Onyia & His Music – Egbe Ne Lueli
4. Los Corraleros De Majagual – Remanga
5. Aquí Suena – Abel Llinas
Side B
1. Peacocks International Highlife Band – Igbala Oso
2. Pedro Lima Et L’Orchestre Os Leonenses – Philomene
3. The Shoe Laces – Isitha Somunthu
4. Claudio Y Su Combo – Como Sea
5. Pa’ Entro Mi Gente – Ángelo El Auténtico
Side C
1. Zaire – I’m Tired Of Living In The Shack
2. Afous - Anavdhou (Edna Martinez Extended Edit)
3. Zaïko Langa Langa – La Tout Neige (Edna Martinez Edit)
4. Erick Cosaque Et Les Voltage 8 – Ajaccio (Edna Martinez Remix)
5. Picó Sin Fronteras – Abel Llinas
Side D
1. La Calandria – Como Duele Una Traición
2. African System International – Amina
3. Carlos Díaz Y Su Orquesta – Tres Meses De Vida
4. No Puedes Conmigo – Ángelo El Auténtico
Product information
Delivery Details
FREE REGISTERED POST FOR ORDERS OVER €75 WITHINROI*
*DOES NOT INCLUDE HI-FI or HARDWARE PRODUCTS-CHECK DELIVERY RATES FOR MORE DETAILS
Orders are normally dispatched within 12-48 hours of receipt of the order, and normal delivery times to your door are as follows
- Ireland 2-5 working days
- UK 5-7 working days
- Europe 10-14 working days
- U.S. & Rest of World 10-14 working days
Usually ready within 24-48 hours. Pre-order items available on day of Release
Any delays are normally due to the postal service. Orders placed on a Friday will be dispatched on Monday. No orders will be dispatched over the weekend. If you have not received your order within the time shown above, you can check the status of your order. Please email your query to info@towerrecords.ie
CLICK & COLLECT ORDERS:
The service is available via our Website. The collection point is located in Dawson Street only
For more information, contact us at 01 6719444 or email info@towerrecords.ie
Refund and Returns Policy
If the product is in its original condition and unopened, we will accept its return within fourteen days from the day you received the item. You will receive a full refund to the value of the item* *Applies to Online orders only
Refund and Returns Policy Faulty or defective items:
In the unlikely event you receive an item from us that is either defective or faulty, please let us know so we can arrange collection of the item and dispatch a replacement as soon as possible. Please email us at info@towerrecords.ie to arrange the return of a defective item. If goods are being returned due to being defective or an error on our behalf, we will refund delivery charges resulting from the return of the original order. If you still have the original envelope, simply reseal it and return the item to the Sender, stating the fault. FAO Returns Dept. Tower Records 7 Dawson Street Dublin 2 D02 X688
Non-defective items:
If, for some reason, a customer wishes to return an item that is not defective, we will accept the item and issue a refund within 14 days from the day you received the item. If, for some reason, a customer wishes to return an item that is not defective, your item must be unused and in the same “as new” condition that you received it. It must also be in the original packaging. To complete your return, we require a receipt or proof of purchase. Items such as games, CDs or DVDs (any recordable media) that require a security seal must be returned with the seal intact in order to qualify for a refund. In the interest of hygiene, headsets and earphones may not be returned unless unopened and intact in their original packaging. You will receive a full refund to the value of the item* *Applies to online sales ONLY. FAO Returns Dept. Tower Records 7 Dawson Street Dublin 2 D02 X688
To return an item:
Please wrap the item and the package securely and send them to the address below. We do not accept liability for goods which are returned in faulty packaging. We recommend that you use a recorded or registered delivery service. Please ensure that you have included a note giving full details of the problem, the order number, return notification number and any other details that may be helpful to us in order to track your order down quickly and efficiently. FAO Returns Dept. Tower Records 7 Dawson Street Dublin 2 D02 X688