KINGSTON, Jamaica — Rohan Bowen of the Black Prezident Sound says one of the challenges affecting the dubplate industry is the exorbitant prices that entertainers are charging for their services.

A native of Montego Bay, Bowen presently resides in the United States (US).

“Many sound clash selectors are unable to meet the exorbitant prices many artistes are charging for dubplates. Some young artistes are making it increasingly difficult to keep up with demands of clashing.  Di new youth dem a pressure we too much. Dem need to remember say it’s a revolving business and not a onetime hustle. Clash sounds cut dubs every suh when an artiste find a song and want charge some crazy figure per dub it mek it hard for us as selectors. I am imploring all artistes to give discounts and special treatment to clash selectors because it’s a mutually beneficial arrangement,” Bowen told Observer Online on the weekend.

Currently, the outspoken selector is arming his dubplate box with a slew of dubs as he prepares for a cluster of clash dates in North America and the United Kingdom.

He says the art of clashing is still very much in demand.

As a veteran “clash specialist”, Bowen said: “It can be a struggle to keep up with the many requests we receive to participate in sound clashes. The preparation process can be rigorous, especially for a sound that is in demand, because every clash sound requires a fresh approach.”

“The clash culture is alive and kicking globally. Me hardly get enough sleep cause me fully booked most of the time, and when me nah clash me a prepare fi clash. I cut dubs like every day, and I plan my set for the next booking as soon as I complete one. It’s a system that I know well,” said Bowen.