an archive of amazonian sound system culture
In Belém do Pará, Brazil, sound systems are more than entertainment… they’re a source of cultural identity, community, and family heritage. Explore some of the history of Electric Amazonia.
“We used to hoist a sound projector up a tree. And in the early evening, the neighbors would sit in front of their homes and request songs.”
— Sebastião Meireles, selector for Flamengo
“Metropolis of Amazonia”
Belém do Pará, Brazil, is home to 1.5 million people and over 700 active sound systems. Once ignored by the mainstream culture industry, the city is now increasingly recognized as a cultural powerhouse — from its aparelhagem sound system scene to its carimbó, lambada, and tecnobrega music.
Meet the old guard.
The first Amazonian sound systems were modest by today’s standards. But, as the old guard recalls, they had heart. Hear stories from sound system veterans, told in their own words.
Hand-crafted sound.
Explore our virtual museum of custom sound equipment, built by self-taught technicians who pursued perfection, despite the difficulties.
“You had people living on the outskirts of the city who didn’t own a radio. And the sonoros catered to their needs and desires.”
— Edson Matoso, announcer