By Gabriella Chapman
AFTER three successful years, the ‘Armageddon Clash’ is here again on Guyana’s soil with an even bigger package for the champion Disc Jockey (DJ).
Earning the title of the biggest sound clash in Guyana, Empire Media Inc. is set to host the event on Saturday, January 26 on the National Park tarmac.
Speaking with one of the organisers, Eusi Davis, he told `The Buzz’ that the sound clash industry has seen a resurgence of talent from sounds in Guyana, and fans have given tremendous support to the events over the last three years.
Given the aforementioned, they have upped the bar this year and fans can expect an explosion of musical war between six sound systems, including one from Antigua, as they battle for one million dollars, one trophy and one year bragging rights.
In addition, Davis said, the Guyanese winner will represent Guyana in St Kitts at the Caribbean Sound Clash Competition “Caribbean Kung Fu” on August 24th 2019.
The contesting DJ’s, Deon Dunning aka ‘Stingaz’ from Kanabis Sound out of Antigua; DJ Magnum from Notorious International; Keston Tyrell from Slingerz Family; ‘Antz Man’ from Exodus Nuclear; DJ Platinum from Trinity Sound and Selector Face from African Vybz, are all pumped and ready to prove themselves in the battle on Saturday.
In an interview with ‘The Buzz’, the Antiguan DJ said that sound clashes are practically normal for him, since he would have been a DJ for 20 years. He promised that on Saturday, he and a team of 11, will be present to give Guyanese a different taste to what they are accustomed.
“Even though we are outnumbered, we will be bringing to Guyana, something they would not ever see again. Sometimes you are so accustomed to one thing until you get a dose of something stronger, you feel different. So Kanabis Sound is that stronger dose. Guyana have great DJs, but our style is different and sometimes different can be good or bad, but our different never failed us,” Stingaz said.
He also shared that he is a full-time DJ, and clashing and participating in such events help him to be more skilled and experienced.
DJ Keston, from Slingerz family, said that this is his second year competing, and he believes that with the experience he walked away with the last time, will help him to emerge as the winner this year, adding “I’ve reached the finals last year & experience teaches wisdom.”
The 30-year-old said that he has been into music for 11 years, but his professional DJ career started in 2016. Sound clashes, he said, always open avenues for participants.
“Sound clashing is a global dancehall sport.
These clashes, as simple as they may seem, open avenues that people may not even believe to be possible, due to the exposure it creates. Promoters of other such events from various countries become aware of the talent Guyanese DJs possess, as a result of this clash. So I would say basically that for me Armageddon is a stepping stone for greater things to come,” he said.
Selector Face, who is another seasoned DJ, said that even though he has been in such competitions for years, there is always some level of fear and doubts as it relates to the end result.
However, being prepared is key to resolving those issues of doubt and he is prepped and ready.
“This year will see a different strategy being laid out come January 26th. I can’t say everything but just know that I’m in it to win it. Clashes are beneficial, in that it keeps that competitive edge in you alive and for some selectors, it keeps them relevant in the entertainment arena,” Selector Face said.
DJ Platinum said that this is not his first time clashing, so he is confident that he will do well on Saturday. From clashes, he said, he gains more respect, bookings and this clash will give him the chance to travel to represent Guyana in the Caribbean Sound Clash in St. Kitts.
Meanwhile, the defending champion, DJ Magnum from Notorious International, is confident that he will emerge as the champion again.
“I have no fear or doubts, reason being, my career was built on clash, while most DJs in this clash are just going for the money and hype. True champions never get caught up in the hype. Every clash I enter it feels like my first clash, I feel as if I never held a trophy before, and I’m hungry to have one… This year the competition has matured.
It’s all about the growth of the clash culture, more dub plates and less 45, and this clash always help me to prove a point that I am the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Times), in the clash fraternity in Guyana,” Magnum said.
There will be five rounds in competition, and the Armageddon Sound Clash will be judged by the fans, while the rules will be enforced by the host.
Early juggling will be provided by Evolution Fraternity, One Voice Family, Determine Immortal Sound, and Sel Shaq Sound.
Tickets for the event are $1 000 and are available at Grill Kings (Mandela Avenue) and West Siderz Music Centre.
For more information you can check the Facebook page “Empire Media Inc” or call Telephone Number 680-6720 or whatsapp 862-233-0494.
