MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica – Owners of the island’s auto sound systems will again compete on Labour Day, May 23 at the Montego Bay Cricket Club at Jarrett Park in St James.

The action is set to start at 3:00 pm.

Hosted by Scott’s Auto, LIME and Tyre Warehouse, Sound Ruption will feature a wide cross section  of  local sounds along with special guests, German sound system Big Mama. ‘Clashers’ will vie for bragging rights and over $150, 000 in cash and prizes.

A sound clash is a musical competition where crew members from opposing sound systems pit their skills – and their dubplates – against each other.

Event promoter Kingsley Scott says heated battles are expected to ensue throughout the day, particularly in the ‘Dub Fi Dub’ round and the ’45 Showdown’.

“This is going to be one of the biggest clashes we’ve ever had, Big Mama is the number one female sound in Germany and they’ll be adding some international flair to the juggling, with a wide variety of music in their catalogue,” Scott told The Observer.

“We’re expecting grudge matches between Lippo and Ruption in the 45 Showdown and between Bad Influence and Road Warrior in the ‘Dub Fi Dub’. Whoever wins the ‘Dub Fi Dub’ battle will then face off against Big Mama,” he continued.

The competitors lined up for the event include reining Sound Ruption Champion Bad Influence. Among the sounds who will attempt to dethrone him are City Fusion, Road Warrior, Yumi Hi-power, Hi-fonics, White Camry, Ultimate Warrior, Sniper, Love People, and Archie.

Entrants will compete in four rounds during which representatives from each team will battle using 45s, dubplates and just about any form of music desired, for a set period of time. They will be judged based entirely on their ability to keep the crowd entertained. 

According to Scott, patrons of the family-oriented event can also look forward to a mini car show which will feature Honda’s, Toyota’s, Nissan’s and other “suped up” toys on display. Admission is $500 for regular entry, $1000 for VIP.  

— Jarmila Jackson