MORE than 50,000 dancehall fans across YouTube, Facebook and Instagram tuned in last Friday to watch the musical stylings of the island’s best sound systems on the Guinness Sounds of Greatness (GSOG) clash competition.

Staged virtually for the first time this year with a media launch on May 11 and two clashes since then, GSOG has so far proven to be a success despite not having a physical audience.

“When I heard the clash would be virtual I was very wary but, it turned out great. It was my biggest challenge finding ways to bring the energy to the stage because as a DJ you use the audience or crowd to know when to pull up a song, when to say something or to even know which song to drop next,” said DJ Naz, who dethroned defending champions High Grade International in Friday night’s show with witty dubs and sound musical knowledge.

“However, as an entertainer I had to figure out how to entertain the judges and the crowd at home. Based on the reactions during the performance I can see that people loved it and it feels good to have come out on top and move on to the next round,” she continued.

The competition, which is aired on Fridays at 9:00 pm on www.GSOGJA.com as well as via @GuinnessCarib’s Instagram and Facebook pages until Friday, July 9, has been getting bigger weekly. Judges Keith Walford, founder of Bass Odyssey; Ricky Trooper of Sound Trooper; and dancehall veteran Admiral Bailey praised Friday night’s show as the best yet.

“I hope all the sounds come with the speech and preparation of DJ Naz and the energy of High Grade International because they truly raised the bar. Great performance from both teams. The musical war just start and I’m looking forward to the upcoming clashes,” said Walford.

The competition is also set to have guest performances in the upcoming weeks from a few of Jamaica’s hottest artistes, an element that has always been a part of GSOG.

Brand manager for Guinness, Lyshon Davis highlighted that while virtual clashes are new to the competition, adapting to the ‘new normal’ was key to ensuring that persons could still experience an event that has now become a staple in the local entertainment industry.

“We are doing this with some new elements but it is still the same exciting show. It was important for us to find a way to keep this competition alive – to bring this competition to the people and create a safe space for dancehall to still thrive. Doing so virtually means we can follow the protocols and ensure the safety of everyone involved while still bringing high-energy entertainment to the fans. The competition has helped to cement sound clash as part of dancehall culture and create a platform for sound systems, selectors and artistes. It’s great for the music and for the fans,” said Davis.