Soundsystem culture first came about in 1950s Jamaica with the earliest sound systems playing mainly US rhythm and blues as well as uptempo ska. These were sound boxes built by DJs and promoters and played records to a crowd in the street, Over the years and with West Indian mass migration to the UK, the phenomenon was also transported to the UK. Starting first in London and moving to other major cities in the UK eg Bristol and Birmingham, sound system culture began to flourish touring the UK at carnivals and dancehalls.
Over the years and with large scale music festivals, sound system culture has grown into a global phenomenon and has given birth to other EDM genres such as Drum n Bass, Jungle, Dubstep etc..