Its been a long time since our last feature in August, but we hope its been worth the wait. We kick off 2010 with a unique insight into the world of roots sound-system culture in the form of Kumi Hi-Fi, the lovingly-restored French incarnation of UK sound-system, Jah Trinity. We speak to Kumi Hi-Fi's Nico Planno:

Tell us about the sound system you are restoring.

Jah Trinity was a Gloucester sound-system which was created by the two Westcarr brothers: Milton and Terry and Raf their partner. When, in 1985, they gave this name to their sound, they were already known in their job. Indeed, from the beginning of the 80s, they worked under the name of ‘Lord Demonstrator Hi Power’. Gadee Crucial (Terry) chose the records, Milton Naphtali (Milton) dealt with the technique when Raf was in charge of coordination at the micro. It was when sound-systems tingled so competition was hard. In November 1983, Lord Demonstrator even won the ‘A1 Youth Rockers in Roots’.

As Dancehall emerged, many sound-systems gave up the ‘Roots & Culture’ fashion to support this new wave. A few people hopefully resisted against Dancehall, such as the three members of Lord Demonstrator who renamed their sound ‘Jah Trinity’. This aimed at reinforcing their belonging to Rastafari through an aware and cultural music. They took advantage of this situation to restore their sound-system and drew their inspiration from the famous Enforcer, one of the biggest sounds of Derby. Jah Trinity played with some of the best: Jah Shaka, Jah Tubbys, Aba Shanti, Freedom Masses, and many more.

October 1999 is a turning point in the history of the sound-system. Indeed, Terry moves to London as Milton goes to Australia. A couple of Italian (King David Warriors) then buy the sound-system, which is given a second life. The pair gave parties throughout Europe but decided to stop in 2006. It is at that time I decided to buy the original elements of Jah Trinity except the bass surrounds by ‘Scoop’ (bought by Jah Lion in Italia). It will thus be the third life of the sound!

What gave you the inspiration to restore an old sound system like this?

Elder Rastafari Mortimo Planno is my main source of inspiration. This sound-system is dedicated to him as I decided to name it Kumi Hi-Fi, Kumi being his nickname. Let’s remember he used to organise ‘dances’ during which Sir Coxsone Downbeat, Voice of the People, Trojan or Count Boysie produced themselves. Mortimo soon understood music could become an interesting means to convey the message. Thus, I am trying to carry on his work and help people remember him, thanks to sound-system and other activities.

So, why an old English sound-system? That’s simple. I do think they are the only ones to preserve the Roots & Culture’s fire and I just spirituality. I am also fond of the golden age of the sound systems. I love listening to old soundmen telling me about anecdotes! We may talk about nostalgia even if it is an unknown period to me… I like objects with a soul, a history, I have been looking for the opportunity to buy old equipment for more than two years and when it happened, I took it. When I got the equipment, most of it was out of order: the original loudspeakers had been replaced by more recent ones, some elements had been repainted… I thus had to find engineers ready to repair this type of ‘custom’ equipment. Besides, I want to acknowledge Errol Arawak who was the first to give me a hand. Few soundmen support the ‘youths’ that’s why this initiative must be underlined. As I am very particular about details, I frequently confer with Milton who shares his knowledge and memories with me.

I guess the sound system is an important part of playing music, almost like an instrument?

Yes, we give people a real experience. This is where the difference with a DJ lies. Can you tell me how many people go and see Jah Shaka, then buy a wonderful track he played, and finally are extremely disappointed with the feedback they have at home. Each sound-system has its own sound identity. We resort to a pre-amplifier which can be considered as the very heart of the sound-system. It is a kind of Swiss army knife which has an equalizer, a crossover, micro/line/effects… They are hand-made by the very best electronics engineers. The way you use it also influences the sound produced.

What is the appeal of dubplates for you?

You cannot imagine how deeply I love their smell when I open the box in which they are! Considering the image reflected by my sound-system, it would be a real anachronism to play CDs or any other modern supports. Moreover, I like the object and the ‘ritual’ part that goes with it. I cannot prevent myself from praising its audio qualities, round and deep basses and an excellent dynamic.

When will the sound system be completed?

I hope it will be completed for the end of 2010. It is one of the most expensive hobbies. I do not count how many things I had to concede and deprive myself of. I do think it is a life’s investment but Jah will provide!

Do you plan to travel with the system around France?

Yes I do. I hope I will be lucky enough to travel around France but also to bring the sound-system back in Great Britain. And why not getting the price for the ‘outernational’ sound-system?

Are there other sound systems like yours in France?

As far as I know there is no other original sound-system. Milton used to tell me when they decided to sell all the equipment, nobody in England was interested. There may be a lack of interest for ‘antiques’ in England? In Europe, I think it is the contrary. There is even a renewed interest for valve amplifiers. In France, there is a proverb that says: Experience always wins the day.

What is the scene like?

In France, the scene for the sound-system is really fertile. There is a bigger and bigger number of sound-systems!

What is the hottest dub in your box right now?

That’s a difficult question… I like what is obscure and uncommon. There are some tracks I do not even know the name of. I own some exclusive mixes from King Tubby’s or Channel One I particularly like…

Favourite dubplate of all time?

Once again, this is a difficult question. However, there is a dubplate I am fond of. It is ‘King Step’, a dubplate especially recorded in the 70’s in Birmingham for the sound-system Jah Wassifa. At that time, it was an answer to the famous track by Jah Tubbys which was entitled ‘Hooligan 69’. Here is an extract (played by Jah Wassifa): Click here

What was your favourite gig of 2009?

Broadly speaking, I am disappointed by gigs. When they are Jamaican artists coming in France, they are usually imposed a backing band in French. They have a few hours to prepare themselves. Consequently, sometimes there is no osmosis… When we shiver as we are listening to a track on a dubplate and do not feel anything in live, there is a problem… That’s the reason why I rather go to sound-system parties.

What gigs are you most looking forward to in 2010?

I really would like to gather the original members of Jah Trinity to get them to play on their sound-system. That would be an unforgettable moment!

Do you produce your own music, if so any releases coming out soon?

Not yet. For the moment I focus on my goal which is to end the restoration. However, the idea to create a small studio has been germinating for a moment. Once again, I think I will work with old equipment. There is a right time for everything!

Any Big Links and Ups?

http://www.jahtrinity.com/
http://www.myspace.com/kumihifi

Special thanks to: Henry (Dubstudio.co.uk), Milton and Terry Westcarr, David Judah (Solardub Records), Ras Muffet, Errol Arawak (King Earthquake), Denis (Red Lion), Darren (Uprising Sounds) and Ed Hall who designed my banner.