Bass Odyssey: Reggae Juggling Dubplate Style
If you’ve ever stepped into a dancehall session and felt the earth shake under your feet—not from the bass alone, but from the energy of the crowd—you’ve likely been touched by the legacy of Bass Odyssey. One of Jamaica’s most iconic sound systems, Bass Odyssey is more than just speakers and turntables; it’s a living, breathing force in the world of reggae juggling and dubplate warfare.
A Legacy Rooted in Sound System Culture
Founded in the late 1980s by Keith Walford in the rural town of Alexandria, St. Ann, Bass Odyssey rose from modest beginnings to become a global sound system titan. It represents not just musical excellence but a deep connection to the roots of Jamaican culture—where sound systems are both entertainment and spiritual experience.
Bass Odyssey's journey mirrors the evolution of sound system culture itself, from backyard sessions and street dances to international clashes and digital platforms.
What is Reggae Juggling?
In the world of Jamaican sound systems, juggling refers to the seamless mixing and selecting of tracks to keep a crowd energized. It's not just about playing hits—it's about reading the room, setting the mood, and creating a journey with music. Unlike a standard DJ set, juggling is spontaneous, intuitive, and often competitive.
Bass Odyssey excels at this. Their selectors—most famously DJ Squingy (RIP), Worm, and Country Speng—crafted juggling sessions that became legendary, moving effortlessly from roots reggae to dancehall anthems, always keeping the dancefloor alive.
Dubplate Style: The Sound System’s Secret Weapon
Enter the dubplate—an exclusive, personalized version of a song, often with altered lyrics shouting out the sound system by name. In clashes (competitive DJ battles), dubplates are weapons of mass destruction.
Bass Odyssey is known for its deep dubplate vault, boasting custom recordings from some of the biggest names in reggae and dancehall: Buju Banton, Bounty Killer, Sizzla, Capleton, and more. These aren’t just songs—they’re battle cries.
When Bass Odyssey drops a dubplate in the heat of a clash, the crowd erupts—not just for the music, but for the history and pride each track represents.
Clash Culture and Global Reach
Bass Odyssey has been a staple of the international sound clash scene, winning events like UK Cup Clash, World Clash, and countless regional battles. Their style blends aggressive dubplate strategy with masterful juggling, creating a high-stakes musical chess game where reputation is everything.
But their appeal isn’t limited to clashes. Bass Odyssey is celebrated worldwide—from Europe to Japan, Canada to Africa—for bringing authentic Jamaican sound system culture to global audiences.
Squingy: The Voice of a Generation
No discussion of Bass Odyssey is complete without mentioning Kevin “Squingy” Bennett, whose untimely death in 2009 left a huge void in the sound system community. Squingy’s voice, charisma, and sharp lyrical wit elevated Bass Odyssey to new heights. His iconic speeches and clash antics are still sampled and referenced today.
He was more than a selector—he was a cultural ambassador, and his influence continues to shape the sound system scene.
The Future of Bass Odyssey
Despite changes in technology and the evolving music industry, Bass Odyssey remains committed to its roots. They continue to host the annual Sound Fest in St. Ann—a celebration of sound system culture that draws massive crowds and top-tier sounds from around the world.
In the age of streaming and algorithm-driven playlists, Bass Odyssey stands as a reminder of the raw power of live music, human connection, and cultural authenticity.
Final Word
To experience Bass Odyssey reggae juggling dubplate style is to witness a unique blend of art, warfare, and celebration. It’s where the past meets the present, where vinyl and vibes collide. Whether you’re a long-time reggae lover or a curious newcomer, make it your mission to catch Bass Odyssey in action—your ears (and soul) will thank you.