I’m excited to share that my first release as Momotombo Soundsystem, “Riddims + Dubplates,” available on March 30, 2025. This EP features three dubplates with Nicaraguan artist Keneth León “Mr. Lion” providing his unique Caribbean Coast vocals, alongside the three instrumental riddims ready for your system.

Pre-order “Riddims + Dubplates” for $5 on Bandcamp.

The Latin American & Caribbean Connection

Since my trip to Nicaragua in 2015, I’ve been exploring Latin American and Caribbean sounds and global soundsystem culture. This exploration has revealed musical connections that transcend borders – from Colombian picós to Nicaraguan chinamos to Jamaican sound systems. As I delved deeper into Nicaraguan music in 2023, I discovered not only great music but also fascinating connections to dancehall, mento, calypso, and parallels with other Caribbean styles like champeta and reggae.

The Sound System Element

In 2022, I began researching soundsystems. While I had experience with analog electronics, I’d never built speakers before. I found Miniscooper in Poland and worked with Artur, the proprietor, to purchase a custom system for me to assemble. The system arrived just before my July 2023 trip back to Nicaragua, and I built it over the summer after my return. I began experimenting and customizing the system, starting with the System Controller. It’s been a fun project and incredibly inspirational musically. Each release is a dubplate in the Jamaican tradition, with a sound that connects cumbia, dancehall, and other Latin and Caribbean styles. I also included the instrumental riddims, with the invitation for other soundsystems and vocalists to use.

Finding Keneth “Mr. Lion” León

I discovered Keneth through videos from the Bluefields Sound System project, watching him dominate rap battles with his rapid-fire freestyles, and release music that captured Nicaragua’s urban Caribbean spirit. After returning from my most recent Nicaragua trip in October 2024, I sent him a selection of riddims I’d been developing, and he carefully chose three tracks that resonated with him.

The Tracks

The lead track “Cumbia CentroAmericana” is a high-energy fusion with lyrics inviting listeners to dance and enjoy themselves, featuring cumbia percussion reimagined through 808 toms and sleng teng basslines. The EP continues with “Detalles Significativos,” featuring live bass by Kevin Miller, a founding member of San Jose Ska band Monkey, which blends dub reggae with cumbia sonidera elements while delivering conscious lyrics about standing by your words and connecting old school with new. The release closes with “Paraiso Terrenal,” a celebration of Nicaragua’s multiethnic Caribbean coast through rhythm and sound.

Looking Forward

“Riddims + Dubplates” marks the beginning of a broader initiative to develop original music connecting with Nicaragua’s Caribbean region and its artists. I’m excited about creating pathways where Latin American and Caribbean styles evolve through contemporary electronic production. Mr. Lion and I will be continuing to work on more projects in the future.

Release Details

“Riddims + Dubplates” will be available March 30, 2025, on Bandcamp, SoundCloud, Spotify, Apple Music, and all major digital platforms. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this musical conversation between cumbia and dancehall traditions.

Listen: SoundCloud preview
Buy/Stream: Bandcamp