Aba Shanti-I — In Session Hidden Beach Festival 2026

A full Aba Shanti-I sound system session at The Oval at Hidden Beach Festival 2026 — roots, dub and sound system culture.
About this Event

Aba Shanti-I — In Session

Hidden Beach Festival 2026
The Oval, Hasting

The mighty Aba Shanti-I returns to Hastings with the full sound system, bringing an evening of deep roots, spiritual upliftment and unmistakable vibration to Horntye Park Sports Complex.

Recognised worldwide as one of the most influential figures in sound system culture, Aba Shanti-I has been carrying roots, culture and consciousness through sound for over three decades. A resident sound system at Notting Hill Carnival since 1993 — the same year he was named No.1 DJ in the world by DJ Magazine — Aba has played across the UK and internationally, from Brazil to Japan, Mexico to the US.

Drawing inspiration from artists such as Dennis Brown, Bob Marley, Junior Delgado, Yabby You and Prince Lincoln Thompson, Aba’s sound weaves classic roots reggae and dub with his signature use of reverb, delay and live effects — creating a deep, immersive and unmistakable sonic language.

From his early days as Jasmine Joe on Jah Tubby’s sound system, through the founding of the University of Dub, to producing music with Blood Shanti and the Shanti-Ites on the Falasha label, Aba Shanti-I’s work has helped shape, protect and elevate sound system culture as a living tradition.

On Saturday 8th August, that tradition comes to the coast.

Expect

• Roots reggae & dub selections
• Deep, immersive sound system culture
• Community vibes & positive message
• A rare coastal session with a legendary operator

Event details

Saturday 8th August

3pm – 7pm
The Oval, Hastings

Part of the Hidden Beach Summer of Culture programme.

Come early. Stay late. Feel the sound.