THE Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew was the scene of the much-anticipated sound clash between dancehall selectors Pink Panther and Ricky Trooper in the veterans category of the Guinness Sounds of Greatness (GSOG) title on Friday, July 1.

Equipped with the latest dubplates, the sound system selectors went head-to-head in a crowd-stirring showdown which ended in a tie that left mixed feelings among patrons.

“I enjoyed myself... It was a good look for dancehall as a lot of young people who were there were experiencing a sound system clash for the first time. Many of them came to ask when was the next one, so is a good look for dancehall culture overall,” Ricky Trooper told the Jamaica Observer.

Several patrons poured into the venue ready with horns, fire canisters, and pot covers to amplify the celebration of the music and the culture. Guided by a set of rules, the selectors displayed careful craftsmanship that drove fans to a frenzy.

The other encounter of the evening, however, did not disappoint fans who demanded a clear victor. In what could be considered a nail-biting battle, DJ Banka reigned supreme over Shukkle Bus in the clash of new-school selectors.

Both clashes served up the best in dancehall sound system clash culture as GSOG made its grand return ‘back pon di streets’.

Dancehall fan Vanessa Lyons expressed appreciation for the showcase among two of Jamaica’s legendary selectors.

“Both of them went hard. Pink Panther was the clear winner for round one as he came ‘guns’ blazing with dubplates from some of the hottest and trending artistes which obviously would win over the crowd. It got even more intense because Ricky Trooper, a legend in his own right, had a few tricks up his sleeve and was the clear winner for round two. I was really looking forward to one champion but that last round really ended in a tie and I’m at peace with both legends being crowned champions,” she said.

In the new-school category, it was DJ Banka’s gift of the gab, high energy, and well-honed skills at the turntables that sent Shukkle Bus packing.

Guinness Brand Manager Lyshon Davis said the artistry of the competitors was everything the fans had hoped for and more.

“Last year, we had to resort to a virtual showcase so it’s great to be ‘back pon di streets’. The competition went extremely well. Sound clash fans have been waiting for the return of the greatest sound clash competition and we went all out to ensure the experience went down in the history books of sound clashes. This was another excellent celebration of the music and the culture, and we’re so happy that Guinness could make it happen,” she added.

The evening also saw dancehall deejay Govana in performance and Winston “Wee Pow” Powell, founder of Stone Love, being recognised.