Pacific Sounds Outernational, a Reggae music promotions and sound system collective, was founded in September 1998 on the island of Oahu. Young Rastafarians deeply rooted in Hawaii through ancestry and a spiritual affiliation with the land, united to share the values of righteousness and aloha through Reggae music. Our continual aim is to restore the Rastafarian spirituality and consciousness in the over-commercialized Reggae music scene, and also to re-establish the link between the message of Jah Rastafari and the Pacific roots culture.
Since our inauguration concert in Pupukea, North Shore, PSO has been strident in facilitating an interchange between Rastafarian artists from Hawaii and those from the continent and abroad. Through the utilization of local connections and by networking internationally within the Reggae community, PSO has been able to work with several of Reggae musics leading performers, and is becoming a leader in the progressive Reggae movement in Hawaii.
With the motive to promote Reggae music with both social and cosmic consciousness, the Pacific Sounds organization has also had the privilege of collaborating with various institutions and venues throughout the State of Hawaii. These institutions include the University of Hawaii, through its campus-based radio station KTUH, and ASUHs Rastafarian Youth Organization. Of course, through the promotion of concerts and events all over the islands, PSO has made significant connections with numerous venue operators, nightclub management/owners, and other promotional staff as well.
Over the past eleven years, Pacific Sounds Outernational has been driven to become the leading reggae sound system in the Hawaiian Islands, bringing the Jamaican style of dj-ing in the form of contemporary & traditional roots, dancehall, and dub plates. Throughout the years, the organization has promoted and collaborated with such renown international reggae acts as Kymani Marley, Anthony B, Mega Banton, Mr. Easy, Wailing Souls, Half Pint, Ranking Joe, Yami Bolo, Groundation, Bambu Station, Midnite, Ozzie Gad (The Naturalites), Shinehead, Everton Blender, Prezident Brown, Glenn Washington, Mikey Jarrett, and many more. As supporting and developing local reggae talent is part of our endeavor, we have also worked with such acts as THC, Irie Souls, Humble Soul, Ooklah the Moc, IsoulJahs, Mama T, Lion Fyah, Jah Maoli Rasta, and Sahra Indio
In addition to the PSO sound system and event promotion, Pacific Sounds Outernational is heading toward the creation of an independent music label where conscious Reggae music of Pacific origin can be produced and distributed worldwide. The collectives future goal is to be the focal point of Rastafarian artistic expressions in the Pacific, inviting artists from Aotearoa, Vanuatu, Tahiti, etc.
Pacific Sounds Outernational is also about our Hawaiian heritage and the upliftment of our culture nâ kanaka maoli. We will also seek to produce and promote traditional and contemporary Hawaiian music and dance. Know thy culture means to thy self, through language, dance and music, we will overcome.
Pacific Sounds Outernational is here to bring a conscious message. Our focus is particularly aimed at the youth, to give them an educational and spiritual opportunity to learn about their roots and culture. Through this exchange we hope that the youth in the Pacific can come together in One Love, One Heart and One Destiny.
KAHI ALOHA E MÂLAMA PONO
