June Reid, co-founder of Nzinga Soundz soundsystem, has died aged 67
Also known as Junie Rankin, Reid helped to pioneer one of the first all-female soundsystems in the UK
DJ, researcher, and co-founder of one of the UK’s first all-female soundsystems Nzinga Soundz, June Reid, has died at the age of 67.
The team behind Nzinga Soundz shared the news on Friday (October 3), confirming that Reid passed away last month (September 12). No cause of death was given, though an obituary written by a fellow researcher said Reid had faced “health challenges” before her passing.
Reid, also known as Junie Rankin, pioneered one of the very first female-run reggae soundsystems in the '80s alongside DJ Ade, AKA Lynda Rosenior-Patten, which also became one of the longest-running in the UK.
Born to Jamaican parents, Reid took inspiration from her family’s love for sounds like soca, jazz, and reggae, also travelling with the soundsystem across the world to countries like Barbados and Sierra Leone.
Reid also studied a masters in Cultural Studies at London’s Goldsmiths University, where she became a key member of Sound System Outernational, described as an “ongoing initiative of practitioners and researchers”.
“[Sound System Outernational] is dedicated to recognising, stimulating and supporting soundsystem culture worldwide,” reads a bio.
Reid was also active in the Black arts and cultural sector for more than 40 years, and dedicated her research to UK-based African-Caribbean female soundsystems.
“You made a huge impact on your fellow students, your wisdom, experience and sheer presence,” reads an obituary written by Goldsmiths Professor Julian Henriques.
“It was such a great pleasure to encourage and guide you through your studies, despite the health challenges you were already bravely facing. You were always so appreciative. Given a little longer, you would have been on to your PhD.”
Read some more tributes below.
Gemma Ross is Mixmag's Associate Digital Editor, follow her on Twitter