SHINEHEAD + DJ PAPALOTL = KINGSTON12 HiFi
About Us
Collectively, KGN12hifi with Legendary SHINEHEAD and DJ PAPALOTL aka BUTTAHFLY provides STAGE, DJ, and SOUND SYSTEM performances for different types of events and venues within Southern California and throughout the country as well as globally in a variety of musical genres (Soul, RnB, Hip Hop, Funk, Disco, Rare Grooves, Latin Grooves, Cumbia, Afrobeat, World Music), specializing in Jamaican Reggae Roots and Dancehall of all eras to accommodate and entertain Caribbean and non-Caribbean music hubs around the world!
DJ PAPALOTL aka BUTTAHFLY
DJ
An analog and digital turntablist of various eclectic styles, DJ PAPALOTL's specialty revolves primarily around Reggae Roots and Dancehall music outta Jamaica. In 1995, after living a year in Jamaica, a dj friend schooled her on how to cut and mix on Technics 1200's, and for over 30 years, she has taken those skills into clubs, festivals, cultural events, cruises, art exhibits, theatre, radio programs, and comedy shows all over the world, bringing a unique flavor wherever called to play.
NOT JUST A DJ...
Becoming a DJ in the mid 1990s was challenging at many levels for a woman who began spinning at college radio programs on Pomona College's KSPC 87.9 FM and at college and theatre events. So to give herself an edge, Papalotl attended a trade school program and became a Certified Sound Engineer in Audio Multitrack Recording in 2001, just two years after becoming a doubly Certified Elementary School Bilingual Educator.
THE MULTI-MEDIA ARTIST
THE MULTI-MEDIA ARTIST
Since becoming an engineer, Papalotl has worked on a variety of creative projects assuming multiple roles in front and behind the scenes: as a Hip Hop DJ and lyricist for an all female group known as GUERRILLA QUEENZ; and Stage Manager, Sound Director, Instructor, Script Writer, and Actor for grassroots theater group TEATRO ChUSMA. She had also performed as back up vocalist and percussionist for local band projects. In addition, Papalotl expanded into website and desktop publishing and videography for creative groups and small businesses, which led to her producing her own livestream show known as BUTTAHFLY FX, where she interviewed artists including SHINEHEAD that led to their eventual partnership in music and life in 2012. All while still teaching in South Los Angeles!
SOUND FI SOUND
Kingston12 Hi-Fi is a Jamaican Sound System with custom built speakers by Reggae artist innovator and sound proprietor SHINEHEAD.
HOW THE SOUND CAME TO BE
The Background
In 3 months in 2016, SHINEHEAD built 4 double scoops with 18 inch drivers after studying spec’s, watching YouTube videos of speaker construction, consulting with Tony Screw whose soundsystem was also built by the same man who built Jack Ruby’s sound, KING JAMMYs, and other audiophiles. He also built the tops for midrange sounds, and acquired horns on the top for high frequencies.
The Launch
Not wanting to be called out for not having a physical sound system, SHINEHEAD took on the endeavor proudly, and on Memorial weekend in May 2016, SHINEHEAD and DJ PAPALOTL launched their soundsystem in Downtown Los Angeles with only half of their sound (2 scoops) much to the enjoyment of Reggae Dancehall fans, and followed up with all scoops at the end of July 2016.
The Set Up
The system comprises of 4 double scoops; each bass speaker has two 18 inch speaker drivers. Bass speakers are 4 feet high and roughly 3 feet wide made out of baltic birch wood with a certain count of thickness that allows the deep resonance that you hear thundering from faraway.
Above each bass speaker is a top comprising of mid-range and high frequency driver speakers.
The combination equals to nearly 40,000 watts of warm, booming sound!
Why Kingston12 HiFi?
Many wonder why SHINEHEAD who grew up outside of Kingston, Jamaica, and PAPALOTL who grew up in South Central Los Angeles, would incorporate the name KINGSTON in its sound system name.
KING RICHARD was the original proprietor and promoter of KINGSTON12, the first Reggae venue with DJ’s and live performances in Los Angeles since the 1970’s. His friendship with SHINEHEAD stemmed from an immense knowledge and passion of Reggae Dancehall music.
In June 2014, King Richard passed away. On his deathbed, he bequeathed his entire record collection to SHINEHEAD because he deeply believed that HE “will keep the music alive.”
To honor his life and legacy, SHINEHEAD asked for permission to name the soundsystem after KINGSTON12 and added the Hi-Fi.
SOUND SYSTEM RENTAL SERVICES
The sound system is available for rental for indoor or outdoor events!
The sound system can be rented in conjunction with our DJ services or as a stand alone.
We also have compact sound systems available for small venues from 800 watts to 1600 watts for rent.
Willing to travel with the sound system for stand alone rental or in conjunction with our DJ services within and outside the Southern California region.
A 50 percent deposit will be needed to secure rental on a confirmed date.