SOUND clashes are back: if not for good then at least for the historic Together as One concert featuring Jamaican superstar Chris Martin.
Memories of pulsating clashes between top sounds like Stereo One, Silverstone, Delta Force and Shocking Vibes among others still linger in a lot of reggae-dancehall fans’ minds.
The clashes, popularised by the late charismatic Jah B, always had dancehall enthusiasts spellbound. Unlimited fun was guaranteed.
Thankfully, promoters of the forthcoming Together as One gig have decided to capitalise on the anticipated huge turnout to try and revive interest in sound clashes.
An array of top dancehall sounds comprising Silverstone, Stone Love, Fyah Links, Legendary, Mighty Ducks, Stan Splash, Digital One, Majestic 3 and Digital One will clash at Glamis Arena in Harare to share the stage with Chris Martin.
Seven female emcees — Iron Lady, Spooky, DJ Teezy, DJ Spin, Lyrical Base, Lady Vicious and Gully Side — will challenge their male counterparts.
Some of the aforesaid sounds were part of the electric yesteryear clashes, thus tempo on the day is expected to be fast and furious.
The Judgement Yard team comprising Tendai “DJ Flevah” Tembo and Etherton “Etherton Beenie” Mutemasango, have been assigned the task of hosting the sounds.
This also confirms that Judgment Yard is now a top brand.
The flamboyant sound movement, Judgement Yard, is rated by many as the best in the country and their mix tapes that stretch to the latest “Volume 25” have proved popular.
One of the show promoters Barbara “Mai Red Rose” Chikosi, said international gigs of this magnitude had potential to take the industry higher.
“As promoters we try to create opportunities for artistes. In as much as Chris will be further pushing his brand in Zimbabwe, we also want our local artistes to benefit. It is our wish that after this gig, sound clashes will become popular again,” said Mai Red Rose. “We have selected top sounds and I’m sure the clash at the Glamis Arena on April 29 will be scintillating.”
Red Rose Entertainment is credited with hosting top Jamaican chanters namely Capleton and Turbulence. The stable is also expected to host Jah Cure later this year.
DJ Flevah of Judgement Yard said this was a clash not to miss.
“The line-up is solid and the outcome can go either way. But revellers who will be part of the proceedings will be the ultimate judges. What I can guarantee fans is the clash has all the necessary ingredients to steal the day,” said the Judgement Yard official.
Apart from the clash, Chris Martin who will be visiting Zimbabwe alongside his protégé D-Major, shares the stage with Winky D, Jah Prayzah and Ninja Lipsy.
Jah Prayzah will for the second time get a chance to prove his mettle in front of a solid reggae-dancehall crowd. The lanky musician is generally regarded as a stranger in the house. Nevertheless, his previous experience with a similar gig featuring Jamaican star Busy Signal will come in handy.
Jah Prayzah’s manger Keen Mushapaidze said: “Our music is generally appreciated by fans from across genres. We will deliver our usual best at the Chris Martin gig with a bias towards love songs and I’m sure we will impress both old and new fans. Also we will throw in some dancehall collaboration tracks that we have done in the past. In short we will prove a point or two.”
As for Winky D, he is not having sleepless nights.
Events of this magnitude have over the years helped solidify his brand particularly on the live performance side.
Winky D aka Gaffa delivers polished acts when on stage.
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