{"product_id":"various-artists-edna-martinez-presents-pico-sound-system-culture-from-the-colombian-caribbean","title":"Various Artists - Edna Martinez Presents Picó: Sound System Culture From The Colombian Caribbean","description":"\u003cp\u003eBerlin-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.\u003cbr\u003eMore than just a musical movement, Picó is a way of life, a bold expression of identity, community, and resistance.\u003cbr\u003eFrom 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.\u003cbr\u003eFor those unfamiliar, Picós are hand-painted sound systems, often adorned with dazzling colours and striking imagery, each with its own name and sonic identity.\u003cbr\u003eThese 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.\u003cbr\u003eInitially 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 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.\u003cbr\u003eFeaturing 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eStrut presents ‘Picó! Sound System Culture From The Colombian Carribbean’ across 2LP Vinyl, 1CD \u0026amp; Digital focusing on a celebration of the raw, undiluted energy of Picó culture.\u003cbr\u003eThrough 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\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"STRUT","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":53206484713799,"sku":"TRI-62507","price":16.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP","offer_id":53206484910407,"sku":"TRI-62508","price":39.99,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0931\/9779\/5655\/files\/31e7b130faa1c272488a02c587b2b23d_498eba6d-3fe5-4e1b-b7f6-765234d4b131.jpg?v=1769372005","url":"https:\/\/towerrecords.ie\/products\/various-artists-edna-martinez-presents-pico-sound-system-culture-from-the-colombian-caribbean","provider":"Tower Records Dublin Ireland","version":"1.0","type":"link"}