Sound system greatness returns to Jamaican TV with the Guinness Sounds of Greatness reality show on TVJ, starting September 3 at 9:30 pm. The sound clash competition will chronicle the journey of 12 sounds as they vie for the enviable title of Guinness Sounds of Greatness Champion as well as $1 million and top prizes from internationally renowned DJ equipment producers Serato.
The new format of the TV show will not only capture the explosive series of clashes between some of Jamaicas most popular and renowned sound systems, but the build up and prepping that goes into getting ready for a sound clash. Guinness Sounds of Greatness, which began in 2008 as an island wide road show promoting the art of sound clash, now celebrates its third season. The made-for-TV series, directed by Jay Will, promises to bring all the excitement, controversy and showmanship that dancehall culture is known for to a national TV audience. Some of Jamaicas top sounds who have signed up for this battle of the sounds, and the list is impressive, are Black Blunt, Coppershot, Bredda Hype, Area Code 876, Crazy Chris, Rich Squad, Boom Boom and Maestro in the Hot Shot category. Body Guard, Ricky Trooper, Black Kat and Silverhawk have lined up to defend the veterans honour. In the end, one Hot Shot sound will get a chance to go up against a Veteran sound and either be overcome by experience or persevere against the odds. Each Saturday night for 11 weeks, two sound systems will have to bring their best or go home in what is expected to be an intense fight of wit, song selection, dub plates and specials. The clashes will be divided into four rounds with eight Hot Shots sounds squaring off against each other in the first round. Brand Manager for Guinness, Gary Dixon, says the competition is a good fit for Guinness: Guinness has always been committed to Jamaican culture and dancehall so its only natural that we would pioneer a show like this and bring it to a national audience. The strength of character, innovation and talent exhibited in this art form exemplifies what Guinness represents and it is important that it is preserved and promoted in a positive way. Reigning champion Bass Odyssey will not defend its title as the show clashes with its overseas tour. That means its an open field and recording studios all over Jamaica have been busy helping competing selectors secure ammunition for what is expected to be an all out musical war on TVJ. Tune in to TVJ every Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. beginning on September 3 to find out which sound has what it takes to be a Guinness Sound of Greatness and walk away with more than $1 million in cash and prizes at the grand final on Saturday November 12.
