Now in its 16th year, Guinness Sounds of Greatness (GSOG) returned on Thursday, May 16, to kick off the ‘Road to Greatness’ sound systems clash competition.

With a top prize of $1.5 million, upcoming deejays will have yet another opportunity to showcase their talents and creativity in a bid to walk away with the enviable championship title from clashes across numerous parishes for semi-final stagings and community events.

Patrons will also get a chance to win prizes throughout the competition.

Building on the success of last year’s competition, we’ve recognised the importance of nurturing the next generation of Jamaican DJs. With Guinness Sounds of Greatness 2024, our goal is to provide these talented individuals with an international platform to showcase their skills and embrace the evolving sound…” explained Nadine Hylton, Guinness brand manager.

The competition which has now been adopted in markets such as Trinidad, Bahamas, Belize, St Lucia, Guyana, St Vincent, and Barbados is a testament to the impact of dancehall music and culture beyond the Jamaican borders and the commitment of the Guinness brand to celebrate and advance dancehall music.

To kick off the competition, four quarter-final events will be held throughout the month of May. The first Guinness Sounds of Greatness Play Off will be hosted on Saturday, June 1 at Western Jamaica; the second Play Off will be staged on Saturday, June 8 at Central Jamaica. These events will be followed by two semi-final events on Saturday, June 15, at Plantation Smokehouse, St Ann and Saturday, June 22, at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in Kingston.

There will also be a Mello Vibes Road to Greatness event on Saturday, June 29, at Mas Camp in Kingston.

The main event and grand finale will then be hosted on Saturday, July 6, at Stadium East.

The judges will be Keith Walford, Ricky Trooper, Wee Pow, Collin Hinds, and Dr Sonjah Stanley-Niaah.

“I am really excited to see what the DJs will bring to the competition this year. I want the DJs to bring their A-game by being creative and original because that is really the secret to setting yourself apart from the other competitors and keeping the crowd entertained. My advice to the DJs is to be true to their style, captivate the crowd with something different, and make their mark,” shared Javid “Insaneo” Skeen, last year’s Guinness Sounds of Greatness champion.