By Anthony Turner/Gleaner Writer —
In today’s world of reggae and dancehall, an explosive force of entertainment energy is the sound clash. This lyrical battle is a firing line of beats, classic hits, future hits and a perfectly timed barrage of specials. It is a sonic war where only the best of the best sound systems can survive.
The duel for supremacy on a sound clash demands every ounce of a selector’s technical skills, musical genius and creative agility to make the playoff sizzle with nerve-plucking excitement. But when all the screams, jeers and cheers are over and done, the real winner of the sound clash is the captive audience who gets a front-row seat on an incomparable and epic musical journey.
“This is exactly what’s in store for music-lovers who attend Groovin’ In The Park this year,” Christopher Roberts, founder and CEO of Groovin Inc told The Gleaner.
Representing Africa is Dynamq, the South Sudanese reggae-dancehall sound system selector who will go up against Jamaica’s legendary Bass Odyssey. The two will be a part of a four-continent sound system showcase, along with soon-to-be-announced selectors from Europe and Asia who will battle for bragging rights and sound supremacy that is sure to provide unlimited satisfaction for patrons.
“We are confident it will be a game-changer for everyone. This will appeal to a new demographic (sound system fans), expanding the offering and amplifying the excitement ten-fold. In fact, since word got out about the ‘showcase’ we have been bombarded with phone calls from excited patrons, some calling from as far as Texas and California in the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan and even Jamaica for this year’s staging. Everyone wants to be a part of the Groovin experience,” Roberts shared.
Dynamq, the ‘River Nile Crocodile’ is very entertaining and is an astute student of Jamaican culture. He emerged on the scene in 2005 after fleeing Sudan’s civil conflict and growing up in a refugee camp in Kenya. He is a multi-award winner having been crowned the Rumble champion, the Bermuda Triangle champion and the famous War Ina East championship in 2019.
Bass Odyssey, the sound system from St Ann, prides themselves as being committed to the preservation of sound system culture. They have made serious inroads in the sound system culture and home and internationally, having won the UK Cup Clash Soundclash in 2014; the New York World Clash, Jamaica World Clash (2005 and 2012) and the Guinness Sounds of Greatness in 2010.
Last year they were crowned winners of the Sumfest Sound Clash at Pier One in Montego Bay.
Bass Odyssey will represent South and North America.
After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival returns for a mammoth 10th anniversary celebration on June 25 at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York. Award-winning reggae singer Tarrus Riley was the first artiste confirmed for the festival.
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