Barrier Social Club will host Ariki, The Bigbada Boom Sound System and an awesome line up of reggae DJs on Saturday 1st February 2025.

Ariki, A.K.A Queen Big Punch is the owner and operator of Hine-Raiona Bigbada Boom Sound System. Hine-Raiona translates to Lion Maidens and is the second all-femme sound system built in Aotearoa to Ninth Wave Sound. They are currently the sole reggae sound system dedicated to supporting femme deejays/allies and artists in the reggae sound system scene Aotearoa.

From Ariki: “Bigbada Boom is a combination of custom built and second hand audio gear. It is all analogue with some new gear that matches the 1970s/80s era of sound It was built for. As Maori we believe in Mauri, the life force of an object that holds the essence of all those who have interacted with it and I believe this energy imbues Bigbada, giving it its own life force which keeps growing as more people interact and add their energy to it. It is one of the few sound systems that use outdated and discontinued lines of audio equipment highly active in Aotearoa. Part of Bigbada’s unique experience is to witness a vintage sound of the past in the modern era.

Sound system culture is a very diverse topic but it is traced to Jamaica as early as the 1950s.

In short it was a platform that operated independently to the established status quo which was dominated by the colonial construct of the white man. It, along with pirate radio, were the beacons of broadcasting and sharing artists and music often not accepted by the mainstream (music to broaden the mind that spoke of freedom and rebellion) Music became a source of empowerment to the lower and middle class who looked for something to grasp on to, to give them hope, and up it to the man. As Jamaicans migrated to England to rebuild the nation post WW2, their music spread to the UK along with sound system culture, where it formed the underground scene of UK rave culture today. Bigbada Boom pays homage to the old school, supporting those most in need of a platform while at the same time acknowledging the whakapapa of sound system culture and its strong focus on reggae – as well as the entire spectrum that surrounds it from Ska, reggae dub, dance hall, Jungle and Dubstep.” 

Come witness the powerful sound and uplifting vibe of the Bigbada Boom Sound System at the Barrier Social Club, Saturday 1st February 2025