Trash to Treasure: Faulty CDs and Tapes Birthed Reggae Movement in China

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When and how did Western music make its way into China? Read on for the answers from RADII!

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It was in the late 80s and 90s: Cassette tapes and CDs that had failed to sell in the West were shipped to China. These faulty objects were purposely cut up or cracked by music labels to prevent them from being resold.

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Nevertheless, these damaged goods called dakoudai (搭扣带) found an audience in the black market. Curious Chinese citizens seeking to expand their musical horizons didn’t mind the faulty objects — anything for the sake of exploring fresh sounds.

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Dakoudai influenced a generation of musicians in China by exposing them to a wide variety of artists, from Nirvana to Metallica, and Joy Division to Bob Marley.

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Discover the thriving reggae scene in Yunnan, China: Click on the link below.

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