Reggae Sumfest’s newest event, Global Fete, is turning up the heat with a high-stakes sound clash between two of dancehall’s fiercest competitors: Tony Matterhorn and Notorious Sound.

Set to unfold on Thursday, July 17, at Catherine Hall Stadium in Montego Bay, St James, the musical battle promises to blend raw lyrical firepower with the electrifying energy of live performances, all in true sound clash tradition.

“As a warrior, I’m always looking forward to a war. War a war, and me a come armed and hot,” said Tony Matterhorn. “I’m a mad person, what more can I say. I’m the man from Mars, so unuh know say a nuh nothing normal. I’m always prepared. Mi prepared fi war anytime, anywhere. Mi always stacked and ready, so if a war come today, mi ready for it. It’s going to be spectacular.”

Tony Matterhorn, who claimed victory at the Reggae Sumfest Heavyweight Sound Clash in 2017, says the Sumfest team continues to impress him with its commitment to preserving dancehall’s foundational culture.

“The clash is happening under the Global Fete event this year, and it’s a new addition to the event line-up. The format is kind of unorthodox, and I am unorthodox, so it’s a perfect fit. I’m just going with the flow, and I am grateful that Sumfest continues to make clash culture a part of this global event,” said the selector.

For Likkle Shabba of Notorious Sound, who won the Sumfest clash last year, the upcoming face-off represents more than just competition; it’s a career milestone and a cultural celebration.

“This is a dream come true for us, especially because we a go up against a veteran like Tony Matterhorn, who is like an idol in this field. To be on a stage with him, mi excited fi di night. Matterhorn a mi general, an inspiration,” he shared. “This clash is going to be even bigger than the one last year and will do even more for us than the one last year.”

Likkle Shabba, who clashed alongside his wife and musical partner Bad Gyal Marie in 2024, reflected on the positive impact their Sumfest debut had on their careers.

“A lot of opportunities came our way since the clash win last year. It has been simply amazing. Bad Gyal Marie a spread her wings even further, and it’s been the same for me. I am grateful and I can’t say enough thanks to the Sumfest team for this platform,” he said. “We’re eager to prove ourselves even more, and so the fans haffi come out and see this one. Last year, you got an idea of what we’re capable of, and this year it’s gonna be triple that.”

Highlighting the festival’s continued evolution, Josef Bogdanovich, CEO of Downsound Entertainment and producer of Reggae Sumfest, noted that Global Fete is another bold step in fusing traditional dancehall culture with world-class entertainment.

“Global Fete will give patrons the best of both worlds,” he said, “as they will be treated to an epic battle of the sounds as well as performances from globally recognised names.”

The night’s live showcase will feature performances from Moliy from Ghana, Marcy Chin, and Trini-soca artiste Yung Bredda. The night will also feature music provided by Coppershot, Richie Ras, Fyah Man, and DJ Gabby.

Gates open at 7:00 pm.