FIVE YEARS ago, an interesting phenomenon stunned the dancehall music scene. Nite Traxx mobile sound system emerged from Mandeville. At first, sheer curiosity pulled people to the music novelty, but later, whatever attention the operation got came about mainly because of its entertainment value. The Nite Traxx phenomenon has grown and with it an extended operation, travelling in a fiery red, brand new 1999 F350 Ford Dooley.
Road manager Ray Porter told Showtime that the old sound has been scrapped and sold and the new vehicle is equipped with new, top-of-the-line equipment.
"We had to have the camper custom built to facilitate what we are doing. We looked all over and couldn't find anyone to handle it until we contacted a Jamaican in Miami who was able to construct exactly what we wanted. The camper is 18 in. higher than the cab," he said.
The new unit carries four - 15 in., eight - 12 in., nine - 10 in. and 15 - 10 in. speakers, plus three JBL horns. All this is in addition to amplifiers and mixing console.
He said the dancehall community has fully accepted the sound on wheels.
"We have played along with every top sound in Jamaica. At first, people were sceptical but as soon as they saw that we were doing our thing for the entertainment value, people accepted us. Now we are easily among the hottest outfits in the dancehall," Porter told Showtime.
The sound has bookings up to Easter of 2001. They only play CDs which they sometimes burn themselves.
"We get to the studios and buy the music from the producers directly so we'll have it as soon as it drops," said Porter.
He said a new dimension has been added to the presentation of the sound, with the incorporation of intelligent lighting to excite patrons wherever the sound plays.
