• History of Jah Trinity Sound System
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History of Jah Trinity Sound System

Jah Trinity Sound System started life in January 1980 in the city of Gloucester in SouthWest. Originally called Lord Demonstrator Hi-Power, the sound reflected the upsurge of a new generation of expression in Black Britain. Milton, his brother Terry and two other friends pooled the necessary money between themselves in order to buy records amplification and loudspeaker equipment. When the sound system first played out officially in 1981, this was the making of what was to become a legendary Roots and Culture Reggae Sound System.

Lord Demonstrator carried the authentic dancehall vibe of the era - a mix of militant cultural music and lighter entertainment such as lover's rock, calypso and "rub-a-dub." This was done in the company of many well-established sound systems - earning Lord Demonstrator a reputable standing in their field.

In 1985, a decision was made to focus solely on Rastafarian ideologies and to promote cultural music only. The sound system was rebuilt and a new name emerged - "Jah TRINITY". The name reflected reverence for the Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie. His name translates into "Power of the Trinity" in the Ethiopian language. Jah is an adaptation of the biblical name Jehovah. As the crew now also consisted of three members - Milton, Terry and friend, Raf, the name now took on additional significance.

Jah Trinity very quickly became as much established as Lord Demonstrator - in fact even more so. In June 1986, Trinity set up their first dance-hall conference with legendary sound system operator, Jah Shaka in their hometown of Gloucester. The combination proved to be a real success. Two more dances took place that year in Gloucester and then both sounds went on to play together in Reading, Birmingham, London and Bristol. Jah Trinity's place as a major player in the UK Roots Sound System Circuit was thus strongly secured.

Many meetings then ensued across the length and breadth of the British Isles in the company of sound systems such as Jah Tubbys, Aba Shanti, Iration Steppas, Jah Youth, Imperial International, Freedom Masses, Enforcer, Jah Challenger and a host of others, too many to mention.

Although now well established as a Roots Reggae sound system, even among his peers Jah Trinity stood out. The handcrafted loudspeaker boxes produced a raw rumbling bass-line, which enthused the attendees to dance "warrior style" in the manner of the Zulu’s or other African tribes. Some individuals could be observed "stepping" from the start of the session right until the end - often 6 or 7 o'clock in the morning. Trinity's unique collection of sound effects wailing over the dub versions enhanced the listeners' appreciation and heightened their spiritual and physical responses.

Mixes of tunes available only to Jah Trinity delighted audiences seeking to hear tunes not heard elsewhere. Certain producers supplied their pre-release material solely to Jah Trinity. Such is the exclusive nature of some of it, it still remains unreleased - only to be heard whenever Jah Trinity is in session.

In October 1999 a new chapter opened in the history of Jah Trinity. Milton immigrated to South Australia, setting up his new base in Adelaide. Great steps forward have already been taken with Jah Trinity rebuilding a new sound system, consisting of 6 heavy-duty steel bass boxes with midrange and treble units to match.

Jah Trinity has played in most Australian Cities with brother Terry Gad flying from London to play together in Adelaide, Melbourne & Sydney. Milton performed at “The Raglan Eco Reggae Festival” in New Zealand in Feb 2003.
Plans are also being laid for other interstate venues and collaborations with various international Roots and Culture Selectors.

Both Milton (Jah Trinity Australia) and Terry (Jah Trinity UK) use the name Jah Trinity when Djing. As Jah Trinity continues to go from strength to strength, in the UK and Australia, come and witness this truly original icon of Roots, Rock Reggae Muzik.