Clash promoter duo Irish and Chin is encouraging members of the sound system fraternity to support a celebration of life for Ricky Trooper’s daughter Brianna McKoy at their Sound Chat Media studio and office in Queens, New York, on Saturday, May 13.

“I truly want to keep the sound system industry united by all means and demonstrate that we need to be there for each other in difficult times. Sound clash is a game we play, but life is the reality we live. We can’t continue to mix up the two, as our rivalries are solely for entertainment purposes. Our real lives should be filled with respect and admiration for each other’s contributions,” Garfield “Chin” Bourne told the Jamaica Observer.

Ricky Trooper is the bearer of the first-ever Irish and Chin World Clash title. Prior to winning World Clash in 1998, Trooper starred in many of Irish and Chin’s earlier events.

Brianna McKoy was found unresponsive on April 6 around 11:20 am inside her condominium in Bridgeport. Trooper, whose real name is Garfield McKoy was granted a visa under humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds for the purpose of burying his daughter. The funeral service was held at the Grace Cathedral of Peace on May 5, followed by internment at the Lawncroft Cemetery in Fairfield, Connecticut.

Upon the popular selector’s arrival in the United States, Trooper visited the Sound Chat Media studio and office.

In a social media post, the selector noted the significance of visit to the office.

“I am finally back in the USA after so many years. The place I had to visit first from the JFK airport a di place that hold up the dancehall culture, Sound Chat Radio. Had to pay respect,” he said.

Meanwhile, Bourne explained that support for Trooper, despite any long-standing feuds, was important.

“Trooper’s tragic loss of a love one made me realise that even the toughest of the tough can experience hurt and pain. When I heard the news, it hit me hard. The feeling I felt erased the impact of all the bad memories of the rivalry between Trooper and me. I just immediately prayed for him to get through his unthinkable loss and pain. Holding a sound system celebration of life at the Sound Chat Radio studio was my natural response to the tragedy,” he said.