Montego Bay, Kingston rivalry at heart of clash

Bad Influence and Yumi loom large with their trophies on the poster for today's Kings of Car Sound Clash at Skateland, Half-Way Tree, St Andrew. However, Stuart Duquesnay, who runs Supreme Audio and Electronics and is putting on the clash along with Dean 'Bad Influence' Harriott, hints at a grudge match between cities which will be played out - literally.

"There is a little rift between MoBay and Kingston. A few months ago there was a spin-off in MoBay and town man go there and take the trophy," Duquesnay said.

There will be ample chance for revenge today, from noon to midnight. The choice of venue is laden with symbolism, as it was once the scene of many sound system battles, including a whopping of Silverhawk by Kilamanjaro in 1987. "That's why I use it. Skateland has a history of sound clashes," Duquesnay said. And he is confident that the car sounds will do justice to the legacy, as "big sound no have nutten over car sound right now".

He makes it clear that Guinness Kings of Car Sound Clash is not a car stereo competition but a clash, although "we have to keep it clean because it is a Guinness event". So a "no profanity" rule is in effect. Also, persons must be 18 years old and over to attend. SK International will drop tunes, while Naseve is the clash's MC.

The battles will take place in 45, Dub Fi Dub, Clarity and Amateur categories. In the 45 section, where persons play commercially available recordings, the winner will take home a trophy and $45,000. The Dub Fi Dub winner earns $35,000 and a trophy, while the top Clarity entrant wins $10,000 and the best amateur $5,000. Second place in Dub Fi Dub also wins a trophy.

"We are trying to pride ourselves on having the biggest set of trophies. They are like three and four feet tall," Duquesnay said.

Although it is his first time putting on a car stereo clash, Duquesnay's car stereo competition history goes back to 1992. He is confident of pulling in worthy competitors, as "being in the business so long I have the majority of competitors under my cap". He also points out that each car sound has its crew of fans and, at the clash, 80 per cent of the assessment will be up to the crowd, while judges determine the remaining 20 per cent.

Admission is $500 and parking is available on South Odeon Avenue.

Editor's note: This is the adjusted version of a story, first run last week, which had the incorrect date.

- MC