Linett Kamala is a boundary-defying creative powered by plants – a vegan, interdisciplinary artist, academic and festivals specialist born in Harlesden, London, U.K. to Jamaican parents.
She recently founded Lin Kam Art, and has been approached by global brands such as Pioneer DJ, as well as developing partnerships with G-SHOCK’s radio station. DJ MAG has written articles on LIN KAM ART and last year, Lin was nominated for the Best of British Underground Hero Award – recognising the champions of grassroots UK music communities.
VP: How did you get into sound system culture?
LK: From around the age of seven I was handling records. My father was a musician and played cover versions of popular tracks around pubs in the U.K. My weekly task was listening to records and writing down lyrics in his notebook.
The brother of my school mate was in a sound system that played at the Notting Hill Carnival. I asked if I could join, thankfully they said yes and I became one of the first girls to DJ on a sound system at the event aged 15, this was back in 1985.
VP: Which projects have you enjoyed the most and why?
LK: LIN KAM ART Sound System Futures – I came up with this initiative to develop young people to be part of the future legacy and custodians of festival and sound system culture by giving them incredible opportunities at events such as the Notting Hill Carnival. It’s been a great launchpad for so many of their careers in music.
BASS TONE REGENERATION – My surrealist inspired mobile sound and light installation has been such a hit with audiences typically spanning four generations, it now goes on tour! I’ve enjoyed bringing this element of sound system culture into public spaces where it’s not always expected such as the British Library.
Recipe for a Happy Mind – I run workshops with Caribbean elders in my community to support their wellbeing by combining their favourite music with practical healthy plant-based food demonstrations and art activities, sharing stories in a fun way.
VP: Tell us about your upcoming launch of the film Bad Like Brooklyn Dancehall in the UK? Why is this project important to you?
LK: LIN KAM ART in partnership with The Garden Cinema are excited to bring this groundbreaking documentary which has already been shown across 20+ cities across 10 countries, to the U.K. for the first time. Bad Like Brooklyn Dancehall delves deep into the vibrant dancehall music scene that flourished in Brooklyn during the 1980s and 1990s. Featuring interviews with genre icons like Sean Paul, Ding Dong, and Kool Herc.
The profound impact on global pop culture of dancehall is so unrated, especially in the U.K. I have lived experience of its infectious energy, having made paintings and short films of the then underground dancehall scene in London. At the premiere, the audience will get a taste of the vibes durings pre & post-screening dancehall party.
VP: What’s your top Dancehall album from the 90s?
LK: Greensleeves Sampler 17! If one album showcases the range of genres sampled, topics and styles used by dancehall artists, this is definitely the one. It has some of my favourite dancehall tracks which inspired my paintings entitled ‘Who Am I?’ and ‘Traffic Blocking’. I also love the bold photography featuring female fashions on the CD cover, these images really influenced my dancehall paintings at the time.
VP: What has Lin Kam Art got planned for 2024?
This has been one of our most busiest festival seasons, which has already engaged with thousands of people across ten events since the start of the year. Here’s a sample of what’s still to come…
Notting Hill Carnival – LIN KAM ART Sound System Futures joins forces with Trojan 7 sound system (25th & 26th August 2024) – We look forward to welcoming our third cohort of young people onto our groundbreaking programme which gives them unique insights into festival and sound system culture such as the South Kilburn CarniVale and Notting Hill Carnival.