“Ricky Trooper, Pink Panther Prepare For Sumfest’s Global Sound Clash – Local Selectors Say Winning Is A Matter Of Cultural Pride” – Gleaner

By Joana Posted on June 21, 2019 in 2019, News

Ricky Trooper, Pink Panther Prepare For Sumfest’s Global Sound Clash – Local Selectors Say Winning Is A Matter Of Cultural Pride

Reggae and dancehall entertainers are oftentimes mentioned for having a competitive nature, whether by their attempts to surpass previous musical achievements or to outdo peers. And over the years, the platform that has thrived off that spirit of competition is the old-fashioned sound clash.

The sound clash culture remains a fundamental part of local music, reaching the global stages, says former Black Kat Sound System selector Di General Pink Panther, who is currently preparing to participate in the upcoming Reggae Sumfest Global Sound Clash, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday night, July 18, at Pier One in Montego Bay.

“Across the seas, sound clash has definitely earned its respect as more people are getting involved – no longer an underground event – its influence is strong and very present,” Pink Panther told The Gleaner.

CLASH RECORD

Before Japan’s Mighty Crown won last year’s Sumfest edition of the Irish and Chin World Clash, Pink Panther held the most titles for the event with six trophies.

“Last year, the emcee made a mistake in announcing my elimination. I was not supposed to come out of the competition but that was just because of all the confusion in voting – it was not a fair decision to me,” he said.

In addition to Pink Panther, this year’s sound clash will feature sound systems and selectors, Yard Beat from Japan, the Canada World Clash champions King Turbo, Germany’s Warrior Sound and Ricky Trooper, who is the other selector representing for Jamaica.

Like the cartoon character from which he takes his stage name, Pink Panther is expected to deliver an unpredictable set.

PINK PANTHER’S CREATIVITY

“I know most of the clashes I have done in recent years have been overseas, but I am ready with songs specifically arranged for the Reggae Sumfest audience and getting the dubs together from all the artistes people can think of to show that unique creativity Pink Panther is known for … this is a straight win,” he said.

Ricky Trooper, who was eliminated in the second round in last year’s clash, says he will be back with a bang.

“For last year, me never take the competition serious and it was cause of the personal vibes me have with Tony Matterhorn – it mess wid me concentration,” he said.

“As much as how people might think when two selectors have a personal vibes gainst one another, it will motivate them fi guh harder, it doesn’t help,” he continued.

For the 2019 staging, the St Mary-born selector says he is focused.

“I am just going there to be my best. Clash is part of my life and the more positive vibes the better,” he said. “One thing fi sure, mi nah mek the sound man dem from overseas leave with this one … it is a matter of cultural pride and pride fi mi country.”

Reggae and dancehall entertainers are oftentimes mentioned for having a competitive nature, whether by their attempts to surpass previous musical achievements or to outdo peers. And over the years, the platform that has thrived off that spirit of competition is the old-fashioned sound clash.

The sound clash culture remains a fundamental part of local music, reaching the global stages, says former Black Kat Sound System selector Di General Pink Panther, who is currently preparing to participate in the upcoming Reggae Sumfest Global Sound Clash, which is scheduled to take place on Thursday night, July 18, at Pier One in Montego Bay.

“Across the seas, sound clash has definitely earned its respect as more people are getting involved – no longer an underground event – its influence is strong and very present,” Pink Panther told The Gleaner.

CLASH RECORD

Before Japan’s Mighty Crown won last year’s Sumfest edition of the Irish and Chin World Clash, Pink Panther held the most titles for the event with six trophies.

“Last year, the emcee made a mistake in announcing my elimination. I was not supposed to come out of the competition but that was just because of all the confusion in voting – it was not a fair decision to me,” he said.

In addition to Pink Panther, this year’s sound clash will feature sound systems and selectors, Yard Beat from Japan, the Canada World Clash champions King Turbo, Germany’s Warrior Sound and Ricky Trooper, who is the other selector representing for Jamaica.

Like the cartoon character from which he takes his stage name, Pink Panther is expected to deliver an unpredictable set.

PINK PANTHER’S CREATIVITY

“I know most of the clashes I have done in recent years have been overseas, but I am ready with songs specifically arranged for the Reggae Sumfest audience and getting the dubs together from all the artistes people can think of to show that unique creativity Pink Panther is known for … this is a straight win,” he said.

Ricky Trooper, who was eliminated in the second round in last year’s clash, says he will be back with a bang.

“For last year, me never take the competition serious and it was cause of the personal vibes me have with Tony Matterhorn – it mess wid me concentration,” he said.

“As much as how people might think when two selectors have a personal vibes gainst one another, it will motivate them fi guh harder, it doesn’t help,” he continued.

For the 2019 staging, the St Mary-born selector says he is focused.

“I am just going there to be my best. Clash is part of my life and the more positive vibes the better,” he said. “One thing fi sure, mi nah mek the sound man dem from overseas leave with this one … it is a matter of cultural pride and pride fi mi country.”

Damian Marley, Reggae Sumfest, Jamaica — Damian Marley entertains at Reggae Sumfest in Jamaica.

This year the festival offers a seven-night line-up of events:

July 14 – Mornin’ Medz Brunch Party

July 15 – Street Dance Party

July 16 – All White Party

July 17 – Blitz All Black Party / Bunji Garlin’s Birthday Celebration

July 18 – Global Sound Clash

July 19 – Festival Night 1

July 20 – Festival Night 2

“It’s been a historic year for both tourist arrivals and Reggae music, and we are thrilled to host this premier music festival again,” noted Donovan White, Jamaica’s Director of Tourism. “Reggae Sumfest continues to add unprecedented value to Jamaica, the birthplace of the music genre, as it offers one of the most authentic cultural experiences on the island for locals and visitors alike.”

As one of the most viewed festivals in the world, Reggae Sumfest will be live streamed across broadcast and other platforms, taking Jamaican music, artists, and culture to every continent and country around the world. You can view at: www.reggaesumfest.com/coming-soon/

Montego Bay, Jamaica’s resort capital, boasts an array of accommodation options for Reggae Sumfest attendees:

Boutique: S Hotel, overlooking Jamaica’s famed Doctor’s Cave beach, is a new 120-room hotel artfully combining discrete urban sophistication and a laid-back resort lifestyle. In celebration of the recent grand opening, travelers can book at special introductory rates from $179 per day.

Luxury: Half Moon Resort, an iconic property which sits on 400 acres of tropical gardens and is bordered by two miles of beach, offers 10% off the best available rate for guests who book a minimum 4-night stay at least 14 days in advance. Rates start at $222.30 per night and include roundtrip airport transfers.

All-Inclusive: The all-inclusive Holiday Inn Resort Montego Bay offers a beachfront location, comfortable rooms and unlimited dining. Rates start at $216.60 per person.

Additional taxes, service charges, blackout dates and other restrictions may apply for hotel packages.

To purchase tickets to Reggae Sumfest, visit: www.ReggaeSumfest.com. For more information about Jamaica or planning your trip, visit: www.visitjamaica.com.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in Jamaica go to the JTB’s website at www.visitjamaica.com.

Tag: dancehall