The sound clash is a Jamaican art form that dates back to the 1950s, when legendary systems like Tom the Great Sebastian and Duke Reid’s the Trojan clashed in the West Kingston neighbourhoods of downtown Kingston.

Sound system culture has since gone worldwide and is expected to make waves at this month’s staging of the Artwalk Festival Downtown Kingston on the last Sunday of October.

The monthly Artwalk Festival, sponsored by Kingston Creative, is bringing back the art of sound clash to downtown Kingston just in time for National Heritage Month.

The sound clash kicks off at 12 noon with a Masterclass by the legendary “Uncle Ronnie” Jarrett of 8 Mile Sound on ‘Building the Perfect Sound’.

Uncle Ronnie has been building sound systems for Jamaica as far away as the United Arab Emirates since the 60s. His sound systems are the best in Jamaica, with the most iconic stack to be found at Kingston Dub Club.

This unique Masterclass will be followed by the Sound Clash, wherein several local selectors will be vying for a $70,000 top prize, and sound systems will be judged by Taheer Laing from legendary reggae and dancehall show Sting as well as DJ Fenix.

“Jamaican sound system culture is an integral part of the tapestry of creativity and influence that has shaped not only our island but also the world. Our music has had a profound impact on global movements of freedom and resistance and Jamaica’s cultural legacy is one of innovation and resilience, Artwalk Manager Christine Solomon said.

She continued: “October’s Artwalk Festival offers us an opportunity to honour the island’s unique cultural contributions to the world while bringing communities together through shared love of selectors, dub plate and the spirit of competition that is a sound clash. Sound systems just don’t get enough credit and we aim to showcase the sound clash and inspire Artwalk festival goers to connect with the essence of what makes this nation truly extraordinary.”

The Artwalk Festival starts at 10:00 am with a ‘Discover Downtown’ bus tour which traverses the Railway Corporation of Jamaica’s well-preserved train station on Pechon Street, offering an up-close look at this iconic site, once a bustling hub of transportation and now a symbol of Kingston’s industrial past. It is followed by performances of heritage dance forms — Dinki-mini, Kumina and Maypole.

Patrons will also be able to enjoy activities including paint & sip, dominoes and loodi, Jamaican brunch, and the Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour which makes stops at the Tivoli Murals Project, National Gallery of Jamaica, and the Blaqmango ‘Touching the waters, Embracing our lands’ exhibition at The CreativSpace.

There will also be walking tours of the murals along the Downtown Kingston Art District and activities for the whole family. The day closes down with the soothing and soulful sounds of Irie Souljah, who will perform a special acoustic set.