Part of the Jamaica Worldwide artist series: reggae in Norway.
Who They Are
Våland Rockers are a Stavanger DJ crew in the Jamaican sound system tradition, named after the Våland neighbourhood in the city. Instead of a live band, they bring the record bags: selectors playing vinyl for a dancing crowd, the way Kingston sound systems have done since the 1950s.
The Sound
Their selection runs through the golden eras of Jamaican music: ska, rocksteady, roots reggae, rub-a-dub and 1980s dancehall. Stavanger Aftenblad has called them “Stavangers egne Våland Rockers”, Stavanger’s own.
Where to Find Them
Their home has been Bøker og Børst, the bar at Øvre Holmegate 32 in Stavanger’s colourful Fargegata, where they have hosted a regular monthly reggae night from 22:00 with free entry. Stavanger Aftenblad was already listing their nights there in 2016, and in January 2018 the night moved from the first Friday to the first Saturday of the month.
Why They Matter
Sound system culture is the heartbeat of Jamaican music. It is where ska, rocksteady, dub and dancehall were born and tested on the dance floor. Våland Rockers keep that tradition alive on the Norwegian west coast, giving Stavanger a place where Jamaicans, Norwegians and anyone with dancing feet can meet over the riddim.
Upcoming Nights
No upcoming dates are listed online right now. Bøker og Børst announces its events on Facebook and Instagram.
Listen & Follow
Are you part of Våland Rockers? Get in touch through the contact page so we can add your mixes, socials and next dates.
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