MONTEGO BAY, St. James — The Reggae Sumfest Global Sound Clash at Catherine Hall Stadium in St. James showcased an intense musical showdown, where rising star Notorious Sound emerged victorious in a night filled with electrifying performances and fierce competition.
Declared a musical battlefield by MC Bossy Boy Floyd, the contest saw last year’s runners-up, Code Red, and South Sudanese winner, Dynamic Sound, eliminated early on. By the third round, the competition narrowed down to Maxfield Avenue’s Notorious Sound, Japan’s Bad Gyal Marie, Germany’s Warrior Sound International, and veterans Bodyguard from Clarendon.
The packed stadium buzzed with energy as fans cheered for their favorites in a vibrant party atmosphere. The lone German contender, who doubled as hype man and selector, put forth a valiant effort with heavy dubplates but couldn’t match the final contenders: Bodyguard, Notorious Sound, and Bad Gyal Marie. The fourth round saw Warrior Sound eliminated.
The anticipation for the “Dub-Fi-Dub” round reached a fever pitch as the crowd chose their top two sounds. Bodyguard launched an early assault with tracks from reggae legends like Jimmy Cliff and Barrington Levy, but Notorious Sound, led by Rickle Shabba and his wife Bad Gyal Marie, made a historic comeback. With a special voiceover by Beres Hammond, Notorious demanded the bodyguards “step back” and declared their intention to take over.
Despite being down by two points, Notorious Sound’s resilience shone through. After five rounds of intense competition, Notorious Sound from Maxfield Avenue, Kingston 13, was declared the winner. The husband-and-wife duo’s winning formula surprised even the more experienced Bodyguard Sound.
Key Highlights:
- Victorious Performance: Notorious Sound, led by Rickle Shabba and Bad Gyal Marie, won the competition, showcasing resilience and musical prowess.
- Fierce Competition: Bodyguard, Notorious Sound, and Bad Gyal Marie were the final contenders, with Warrior Sound eliminated in the fourth round.
- Memorable Comeback: Notorious Sound’s comeback, highlighted by a special voiceover from Beres Hammond, was a pivotal moment in the contest.
- Trophy and Cash Prize: Notorious Sound won a trophy and $1 million, donated by Magnum Tonic Wines, along with the Power Play prize of $100,000 from Sunshine Snacks.
- Proud Runners-Up: Bodyguard expressed pride in their performance despite the result.
Rickle Shabba and Bad Gyal Marie reflected on their victory, emphasizing hard work and dedication. “Bodyguard is a sound I’ve listened to since I was a kid and I have a lot of respect for them, but tonight was all about showing what Notorious can do,” said Rickle Shabba.
Magnum Tonic Wine, presenting partner of Global Sound Clash Reggae Sumfest, reiterated its support for dancehall music. “The energy on display tonight is why we continue to support dancehall,” said Magnum Brand Manager Brandon Wallace. “Events like Global Sound Clash showcase the best of Jamaican culture.”
The Global Sound Clash remains a testament to Jamaica’s rich musical tradition, bringing together fans and performers from around the world in celebration.
