November 26, 2025 – What began as a casual musical partnership between friends (November 25, 1989) has grown into one of Antigua and Barbuda’s most influential cultural institutions. Stonewall was born from the natural musical chemistry of Whitney Williams and Everton “Burger” Williams, who played together whenever time allowed. In the early years, Whitney worked in electronics while Burger travelled regularly between Antigua and the diaspora.

The name “Stonewall” came about almost by chance. When the duo was booked to play at the Antigua Girls’ High School in 1989, they suddenly needed a name. “Stonewall” was chosen after spotting a Stonewall Jackson record. That simple decision marked the genesis of what would later evolve into Stonewall Sound System, Stonewall International, and Stonewall Reloaded.

They were soon joined by foundation members Wayne Hewlett, Lenny Hewlett, Anson Perry, Lyndon Ryan, and Trevor “Gusum” Watkins, with Cliff Williams later becoming a key affiliate and eventually ascending to management levels within the Stonewall family.

The Early Build: Ingenuity and Determination

Wayne Hewlett recalls the opening of the All Saints Village League Football Tournament in 1989 as one of Stonewall’s earliest major events. Their initial equipment was a true collaborative effort: amplifiers from Gusum, turntables from Burger, a crossover from Whitney, and additional pieces salvaged by Lenny from Vision Band’s discarded equipment, restored to full functionality by Stonewall’s ingenuity. The members pooled funds to construct their first small system, laying the foundation, literally, for the empire to come.

Support soon came from the wider community. An entrepreneur known as “Barry” sponsored additional equipment, while Lyndon provided building materials to create sound boxes for Shantytown, where Stonewall became a staple attraction by the early 1990s. These appearances cemented their presence as a must-see feature of Antigua Carnival celebrations throughout the 1990s and into the mid-2000s.

Shaping the Culture: Innovators of the Party Scene

Stonewall introduced the ‘clash’ style of performance and the “talk pan mic” dynamic to Antigua’s party scene as early as 1992. They were among the first to specialize in dancehall mixing and scratching, revolutionising how audiences in Antigua experienced the ‘sound system’.

At that time, Bus Boys with DJ E.T. was the only other sound delivering a similar party vibe, though they were primarily known for Hip Hop and Rap. Stonewall carved out an unmistakable niche in dancehall and reggae, setting standards that influenced an entire generation of local sounds.

Taking Antigua to the World

Stonewall quickly grew into an international force, clashing and playing alongside globally recognised sound systems. Their résumé includes battles or appearances with: Stone Love, Bass Odyssey, Downtown Outlaws, Bodyguard, Black Cat and performances next to David Rodigan’s sound (though never in an official clash).

Their competitiveness and creativity earned them widespread respect. Stonewall International became the reigning Bronx Clash Champion and the Antigua Tag Team Clash Champion of 2019. 

Catching up with Stonewall Chief Whitney Williams on their exploits after COVID-19, he shared proudly: “We have been Canada Champion, Rumble Champion for 2024 and 2025, and New York Rising League Champion for 2023 and 2024. Our most recent clash with King Addis 22, they won. We have a rematch coming up with King Addis in October 2026.” These victories reaffirm Stonewall’s reputation as one of the most formidable and respected sounds in the global clash arena.

Stonewall Reloaded: Era of Enterprise and Innovation

In 2006, Stonewall Reloaded expanded into sound equipment rental, providing high-quality systems for events of every scale, from small parties to major fetes and political rallies, Carnival Monday and Tuesday Parades of Bands, Caribana, and more.

Their partnership with local provider Lava Sound from 2008 to 2013 ended the need for imported sound and lighting for Carnival City. From 2014 to 2019, Stonewall became the sole provider of sound and lighting for Carnival City at the Antigua Recreation Grounds.

Their services now stand as a critical pillar of the nation’s entertainment infrastructure. 

Stonewall’s technical expertise and professionalism expand well beyond Antigua and Barbuda, with sound and lighting services provided in Montserrat, St. Maarten, Miami, Guyana, and other locations, a valued addition to the export of services portfolio, generating foreign exchange.

Impact, Legacy, and the Stonewall Standard

Across its 35-plus years, Stonewall has profoundly shaped the landscape of dancehall and reggae entertainment in Antigua and Barbuda. From early dances at Patches in All Saints Village to legendary clashes at Plantation (Fort James) and Factory, Stonewall helped define the island’s entertainment aesthetic through the 1990s and 2000s.

Their dedication to sound quality became a benchmark. As original member Wayne Hewlett puts it: “Trust me, we made a huge impact on the entertainment side. Even Oungku of Burning Flames called us out when he was sorting out his new systems… We set precedence with how sound is supposed to sound. We took a lot of pride in that. We paved the way for Antigua sounds.”

Wayne, though no longer an active member, admired Whitney and Cliff’s leadership, especially their strategic move into equipment rental. “That move helped Stonewall to be where it is today. The sound thing is fun, it’s a hobby, but equipment rental is the money-making part. That’s what turned the enterprise into something sustainable.”

Stonewall Chief Whitney Williams himself proudly reflects: “Through Stonewall, I have carried the flag of Antigua and Barbuda on stage all over the world.”

A Vibrant Enterprise Today

Stonewall has evolved from a hobby-driven passion project into a full-time enterprise, a significant contributor to the entertainment economy, an employer, and an exporter of services.

In a recent catch-up, Whitney openly reflected: “I’m overwhelmed with all the work we have for our business that just started as a hobby and is now a full-time operation.”  Cliff had long balanced Stonewall’s needs with his other professional pursuits, and as the company grew, Whitney required additional full-time support. This transition ushered in a new chapter of generational leadership: Whitney is now joined by his daughter, Brenae Williams, who serves as Manager, infusing the enterprise with fresh vision and continuity. Together, they carry the sound system forward, still grounded in its origins, rooted in community pride, technical excellence, and cultural responsibility.

This year marks Stonewall’s 36th anniversary, celebrated in true Stonewall fashion with “Antigua World War” at the ARG parking lot.  A fitting tribute to more than three decades of resilience, innovation, and pure Antiguan vibration.

Stonewall continues to be a leading service provider in the entertainment sector, energising it in a new era. Stonewall! Your Wall is Standing Firm!!