Accra, Ghana’s capital city, is the best place to experience the country’s love of music. Here, listening to music is more than just a pastime; it’s a way of life. The city’s booming sound system scene is a clear example of this culture.
I was astounded by the overwhelming number of revelers dancing as soon as I entered. On either side of the room, enormous stacks of speakers stood, their cones beating to the rhythm. I knew this was going to be a party unlike any other because of the crowd’s jubilant excitement, which I could already feel in my chest.
In Jamaica, sound system parties became popular in the 1950s and 1960s as a way to enjoy music outside of official settings. Following World War II, labor shortages in the U.K. encouraged widespread migration, which led to the arrival and rapid spread of this colorful culture in British cities. However, established bars and clubs proved unwelcoming, and mainstream radio stations didn’t play Jamaican music. The sound system culture is still alive and well today. Collectives stack speakers and bring their sounds to street parties worldwide. They influence and shape music for a wide range of audiences.
The popularity of sound system parties in Ghana is directly related to the iMullar Sound System. Maxwell Adjavon, a music curator, culture architect, and the brains behind the iMullar network, the Ghana-based music platform that aims to highlight up-and-coming musicians from all over the African continent, founded this creative agency.
Adjavon created the iMullar Sound System concept in 2018 because he is passionate about good music and wants to unite people. But it wasn’t until he discovered a creative grant in 2021 that it was realized. In an interview with OkayAfrica, Adjavon remarked, “The whole iMullar Sound System idea started as a document baby in 2018, and it was in my iCloud for a while.” When my friend Ekow Barnes forwarded me a link to a creative award program Havana Club hosted for event planners in 2021, I proposed it to them. After 600 submissions worldwide, we were picked as nine of the finalists and awarded a prize of 5,000 euros.
Thanks to a grant, Adjavon invested in his passion, buying high-end equipment, including a DJ controller, GoPros, cameras, and other necessary tools. A new age of music and fashion that would later alter the vibrant party scene in Ghana’s capital marked the beginning of a cultural renaissance.
iMullar Sound System is Accra’s go-to party band today and has been instrumental in the growth of the city’s sound system parties. Their parties frequently last well into the morning because they are committed to pushing the limits of music and entertainment, leaving guests with priceless memories and a craving for more.
A typical iMullar Sound System event typically has a theme, includes multiple DJs spinning various mixes, and has a crowd of partygoers that are always ready to party. There are no strict requirements when choosing DJs; Adjavon says it comes down to the mood the party should have. “Our first event had only female DJs; the ambiance and the guy’s edition were unique. We don’t even instruct DJs on what music to play.”
“Since we started, we have gingered many other communities to start doing their thing and being vocal about it, which is very good. With the rise of our sound system and other sound system events, events will no longer be one way; music will be diversified. And we will be that bridge bringing mainstream to the alternative.”
However, it is more than simply a music festival; it is a community where people from all walks of life can come together to enjoy themselves and music. “At the end of the day, [iMullar Sound System] was a concept developed to grant kids freedom of expression. There are no dress or footwear limitations, no non-smoking areas, or other restrictions if you attend our events, says Adjavon. Everyone is welcome to enjoy themselves, feel the energy, and listen to high-quality music in a secure environment.
DJs are now in the spotlight and receiving fresh respect due to the iMullar Sound System’s revolution in the party scene.
Their objective goes beyond simply influencing Accra. Adjavon stated that the intention is to “take it global” and that preparations have already begun. “We have some things planned, but I can’t say anything about them yet. He smiles, we intend to spread it over the world and infuse every area with our culture. Because we already have DJs worldwide, “we envision our community not only being in Ghana but all over the world.”
