King Shiloh

King Shiloh

King Shiloh is an Amsterdam-based roots reggae sound system and group, operating independently from the Netherlands and working within the traditions of Jamaican sound system culture. The project is guided by Rastafari principles and combines live sound system performances with recording, broadcasting and event promotion.

Sound system and crew

King Shiloh uses its own four-way high-power sound system, with equipment and amplification designed to suit venues of different sizes, from smaller rooms to larger spaces. The core crew includes Bredda Neil as sound operator and selector, Ras Lion as MC, Lyrical Benjie and President Kirky as DJs, singers and chanters, Billyman as sound technician and truck driver, Iyah One as studio engineer and sound technician, and Danny Red as promotion manager and sound technician. The group describes itself as working in an old-school sound system tradition, with personalised equipment made for playing reggae at high volume.

Recording and releases

Alongside the sound system, King Shiloh runs King Shiloh Records and a 24-track recording studio, where much of its exclusive music is produced. Its first release appears in 1997 as a double A-side 12-inch single featuring Ras Ibi on Trod On and Battle of Adowa, with dub versions by Majestic Warriors from Cologne. That release sells out quickly and later becomes a collector’s item. A second 12-inch follows in 1999, pairing Lyrical Benjie’s My Dream with Ras Matthew I’s Babylon A Wonder, and also sells out rapidly. The label’s first CD arrives in 1999 as a dub compilation made for the Timemachine organisation, using previously unreleased and exclusive tracks. The studio later works on LP projects including debut albums by Lyrical Benjie and Bagga T, an Amsterdam Roots Explosion compilation, and productions with the UK group the Disciples, with singles by Tenastelin, Ras Iyah and Winston McAnuff also in preparation.

Radio and media work

Since 1990, King Shiloh presents a two-hour Saturday night programme on Radio 100 FM in Amsterdam. The show focuses on current reggae from Jamaica, the UK, the US and elsewhere, as well as pre-releases, older recordings and wider scene information. The programme is also made available online through the group’s website. King Shiloh has also produced the Dutch reggae magazine Roots&Culture Reasonings, which runs for five years before being suspended.

Events and wider activity

The group promotes regular DubClubY2K events at Amsterdam’s Paradiso venue. These sessions bring UK and international sound systems into a club setting and present them in a format intended to reflect traditional sound system culture. The project also maintains an official website and a range of activities connected to releases, radio and clothing.