A Crownin in Brooklyn: Sound System Legends Honored at World Bash

 

Brooklyn, NY — July 2025 — Renowned entertainment brand Irish and Chin hosted the third U.S. installment of World Bash at the historic Crown Hill Theater, delivering a one-of-a-kind sound system stage show that celebrated authentic Dancehall culture. The event’s centerpiece, held at the end of June, was a powerful "Crownin" -- honoring three pioneering figures whose lifelong contributions helped define global sound system culture: • Anthony “Tony Screw” Rookwood aka Downbeat the Ruler – Celebrating over 50 years at the helm of Downbeat sound, Tony Screw is recognized as the Godfather of Rub-a-Dub sound in the U.S. The music giant played a key role in elevating sound system culture from basement parties to mainstream stages. He served as a stepping stone for the careers of many of today’s top artists • Donald "Don One" Moodie – A visionary behind the scenes, Don One Sound Studio nurtured countless selectors and artists worldwide. The studio's significance in cutting dubplates solidifies Don One as a cornerstone of sound system growth and development. Many a sound man, including Chin, remember leaving school with a back pack and a dream to cut dubplates by Don One. • Robert “Jah Wise” Campbell – Rising from a box boy to a premiere selector with Tippatone and vocal icon with King Jammys, Downbeat, and others, Jah Wise remains a living library of Jamaican sound system history and style. Founder Garfield “Chin” Bourne emphasized the importance of honoring these legends: “Giving flowers to these icons was overdue. Downbeat, Don One, and Jah Wise poured their unique gifts into sound system culture for decades. They needed to know how much they impacted music, culture, and the world. This is our Thank You!" The celebration also paid tribute to Brooklyn’s legendary ’90s Dancehall era. Influential sound systems—LP International, Soul Supreme, Earth Ruler, and Kilamanjaro—delivered electrifying performances rooted in tradition and passion.

World Bash was added to the Irish and Chin brand in 2023, originally launched to honor Mighty Crown’s retirement. With stops in the U.S., U.K., and Canada, the event continues the brand’s 25+ year mission to preserve and promote authentic sound system culture worldwide. Past cultural icons honored with a "Crownin" include: U-Roy, Johnny Osbourne, Lloyd Coxsone, Briggy, Pink Pantha, Sky Juice, Jagga B, Glamour Wayne and Rory. Chin reflected, “Throughout my three-decade journey in music celebrating these pioneers brings me the most pleasure." He adds sincerely, "I am grateful for them giving me an opportunity to recognize them properly. All well deserved! Special thanks to Shabba Ranks for helping me kick-start this vision.” Photos: Courtesy of @irishandchin Captions: Top: Tony Screw of Downbeat sound was honored at the "Crownin" during World Bash for his unprecedented contributuons to sound system culture. Middle: Don One, who plays an instrumental, global role in dubplate cutting, a core element of sound system culture, was celebrated at the "Crownin." Bottom: Jah Wise was commemorated at the "Crownin" for his significant contributions as a premiere selector on a wealth of legendary sound systems and a sound historian.