The Artwalk Festival in downtown Kingston is set to showcase the vibrant and historical Jamaican art form of sound clash. Dating back to the 1950s, the sound clash originated in the West Kingston neighbourhoods, where legendary systems like Tom the Great Sebastian and Duke Reid’s the Trojan clashed in intense musical battles.
Sound system culture has since spread worldwide, and this month’s Artwalk Festival is bringing back the essence of sound clash to downtown Kingston. Sponsored by Kingston Creative, the festival will take place on the last Sunday of October, coinciding with National Heritage Month.
The event will kick off at 12 noon with a Masterclass by the renowned “Uncle Ronnie” Jarrett of 8 Mile Sound, who will share his expertise on ‘Building the Perfect Sound’. Uncle Ronnie has been building sound systems for Jamaica and beyond since the 1960s, with his iconic stack at Kingston Dub Club being one of the best in the country.
Following the Masterclass, the Sound Clash competition will take place, where local selectors will compete for a top prize of $70,000. Judging the sound systems will be Taheer Laing from the legendary reggae and dancehall show Sting, along with DJ Fenix.
According to Artwalk Manager Christine Solomon, Jamaican sound system culture is a vital part of the island’s creative fabric and has had a profound impact on global music movements. The festival aims to honor Jamaica’s cultural contributions while bringing communities together through a shared love of music, competition, and creativity.
In addition to the sound clash, the Artwalk Festival will feature a ‘Discover Downtown’ bus tour, heritage dance performances, paint & sip sessions, Jamaican brunch, and various activities for the whole family. The day will culminate with a special acoustic performance by Irie Souljah.
Attendees can also enjoy walking tours of the murals in the Downtown Kingston Art District and visit various cultural sites like the Tivoli Murals Project and the National Gallery of Jamaica. The festival promises to be a celebration of Jamaican culture, music, and creativity, showcasing the island’s unique and extraordinary contributions to the world.
