VARIOUS - Edna Martinez Presents Picó: Sound System Culture From The Colombian Caribbean - 2LP - Vinyl [JUN 20]

2LP - Black Vinyl. Incl. Booklet featuring extensive liner notes by Edna Martinez in both Spanish & English, vintage and contemporary photos of Picó soundsystems, and design by Felix Godefroy.

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.

Tracklist: 

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