IT’S all systems go for the inaugural Jamaica leg of the Red Bull Culture Clash, scheduled for the National Arena in St Andrew on Saturday, November 2.

The launch was held at R Hotel in New Kingston last Thursday.

“Dem always say better late than never. We appreciate that dem finally realise that Jamaica, yaad as we say, is the real grung for it. It’s the real spot for it. It’s just for us Jamaicans to embrace the culture, come out, and show the world say a yah suh the ting start and a yah suh it really originate, and send a message to the world that we nah give up pon we culture — whether it is dancehall, reggae, clash culture, anything. Big up to Red Bull; we happy fi it,” Badda Bling, selector of the Portmore-based Di Unit sound system, told the Jamaica Observer.

Badda Bling (given name Matthew Mothersill) is part of Romeich Entertainment, one of four teams participating in the clash. DJ Antsman and Bishop Escobar complete that unit.

Other teams are: Strike Force, comprising Jada Kingdom and Govana; Dweet Fi Di Culture, with DJ Bambino and Salaam Remi; and Riddimstream Platta, which has King Bubba, Willy Chin and Barrie Hype.

The use of profanity is not allowed in the competition, and selector Bishop Escobar believes all crews can provide good, clean entertainment.

“If anybody knows Bishop Escobar, they know I can ‘chamaeleonise’ myself. I’m not one of those selectors who have to penetrate on a certain topic or a certain lifestyle to create an impact on dancehall. I am a fan of music, so mixed genres will be played. Suh if dem say no bad word, a nuh nutten — even though it kinda deh tek weh from the authenticity from the clash. Red Bull is an international brand and if we have to pay that respect to Red Bull, then we just affi do it,” said the selector, whose given name is Carlos Henry.

Jamaica has been successfully represented at previous Red Bull Culture Clash events. Popcaan and his Unruly team won the 2016 renewal in London. The deejay’s team included Whiz Kalifa, Spice, Tony Matterhorn and Kranium.

In 2018 Kranium and his High Flyers Crew took top honours in Atlanta.

First held in 2010 (there was a hiatus in 2015), Red Bull Culture Clash is billed as ‘the world’s biggest musical battle’. The event is inspired by Jamaican sound system clashes from the 1950s.

At last Thursday’s launch, Jada Kingdom entertained guests.