Sound Systems: Raves, Riots and Revolution
Conference
Sound Systems: Raves, Riots and Revolution
Speakers: Lei di Dai (Artist), Dave Randall (Artist), Ethel Laka (Kebra Ethiopia), Lekentle Mohlala (Kebra Ethiopia)
Moderator: Ruth Daniel
The sound system has always been more than speakers and basslines. It is a tool for gathering, resisting, and imagining new worlds. From the humble beginnings of Notting Hill Carnival to the 2m+ crowds it draws annually; to sound systems resisting apartheid in South Africa and Ethiopia; to women leading the way with favela sound systems in Brazil; from the streets during the Arab Uprising to the underground of raves, riots, and revolutions, sound systems have amplified voices, shaken power structures, and carried cultural movements across borders.
This panel explores the political and cultural power of sound system culture - how it mobilises people, challenges authority, and creates new spaces of belonging. Looking at today’s landscape, we ask: what does this tradition mean in the age of global festivals and digital networks?
From grassroots to the world… join us for a conversation on how sound system culture keeps re-shaping communities, politics, and global music.
Conference FAQ
We do not sell ADE Conference only or Day Passes. The only way to get access to the ADE Pro Conference is the ADE Pro Pass.
Tickets for the specialist sessions, such as ADE Lab and ADE Green can be found on the ticket page closer to the date of ADE 2026.
✓ Valid all five days
ADE Pro conference takes place from Wednesday through Saturday, but the ADE Pro Pass benefits go well beyond those four days. The ticket grants access to ADE’s full offering, including all conference programs as well as all ADE Festival and Arts & Culture events* — read on below to get an impression of everything included with your ADE Pro Pass.
✓ Full access to all conference keynotes, panels and locations
ADE Pro is the ultimate business and inspiration gathering for the electronic music industry. The four-day conference returns to live action at our iconic home base Felix Meritis and features dedicated programming at the forefront of our industry. In addition, ADE will also continue to host conference programs dedicated to young creators and aspiring professionals.
✓ Year round access to ADE Pro's networking platform & database
Get a head start on connecting with fellow music professionals and companies with the ADE Pro networking database, available throughout the year. The online networking tool enables you to find and connect with all ADE Pro delegates, showcase your business with a dedicated profile page, plan meetings during ADE and much more. Over 50.000 messages are being sent on the platform yearly, with new professional connections being made on the regular.
✓ Join dedicated networking events and sessions
With over 9.000 music professionals from around the globe gathering in Amsterdam, you’re almost guaranteed to find who you need. An abundance of networking events and opportunities with fellow ADE delegates and industry leaders provides an advantageous base for dealmaking and career advancement.
✓ Access to all official Business Hubs
Whether you’re planning a meeting with fellow delegates, looking for a comfortable spot to work or simply want to hang out between conference events, your ADE Pro Pass grants access to all of ADE’s official Business Hubs.
✓ Access to the complete ADE Festival and Arts & Culture program*
With the entirety of ADE Festival and ADE Arts & Culture accessible with the ADE Pro Pass, your ticket enables you to explore the full spectrum of electronic subgenres in over 200 of Amsterdam’s finest music and nightlife spaces — with 2.500+ artists performing at 1.000+ events during five days and nights.
* Limited capacity at high-demand venues – read more at our FAQ.
✓ Receive the official ADE 2025 Bag
Your ADE Pro Pass comes with the limited edition ADE 2025 Bag, an ADE Pro Pass exclusive included with your ticket.
Our conferences are accessible for all ages in general. Do note that when alcoholic beverages are served, access can be denied.
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