The now historical World Clash R.E.S.E.T 2, when analyzed offers many critical lessons, many arguing positively for the survival of sound clashing, the development of sound systems as a business and overall acts as a great indicator of how to promote a Dancehall event to both new patrons and die hearted fanatics, especially during this new millennium.
World Clash R.E.S.E.T 2, which took place on October 12th, 2013 in Queens New York, elicited many surprises as demonstrated by these tweets:
DELANO RENAISSANCE @DJDELANOJA11h
We reach 4th round 2rass #worldclashreset @Renaissancejam
DJ TROOPA TRALOOPA @TROOPAALLIANCE12h
My god Fire links & LP gone home!! #worldclash
Josh Layton @JoshLayton401320m
@killaboo@IrishandChin The work you have done this year has proved a lot of people wrong. Keep rising the king sound.
The marketing genius of Irish and Chin Inc, spearheaded by Garfield ‘Chin’ Bourne proved a whole lot of naysayers wrong, a challenge which he has never shirked, during his over two decades long pride as an event promoter.
Many questioned whether juggling sounds had a place or role to play in sound clashing but last night proved that Jugglers certainly held firm and also brought out their own fan base, perhaps now converting newly minted fanatics on to sound clashing.
Every sport needs new fans without this there will be stagnation and eventual death. Irish and Chin’s aim has always been to avoid such a detrimental outcome hence the birth of R.E.S.E.T- to Restore, Exciting, SoundSystems, Entertaining, Together.
Jazzy T and Team Renaissance who before last night not many had waged a bet on to make an impact, fired from all cylinders holding down rounds 1 & 2, imagine that a juggling sound.
Mighty Crown who have been absent from hardcore clashing for over 6 years, busy racking up mileage on the juggling scene and having just concluded a long tour of Europe, North America and the Caribbean also confirmed that they are still a bruising sound clash force. They battled Sky Juice and King Addies in round 5.
King Addies young selectors who had to contend with the burden of playing on a legendary sound without making their own strides, and who despite beating Bass Odyssey in the Summer were still not being given a lot of encouragement leading up to the event. Well they held it down all the way to the final round, erasing the doubt about being Brooklyn’s finest.
Overall a really good look for Irish and Chin Inc as both Addies and Crown are managed by Chin, so just maybe he knows a thing or two about sound clashing.
And enough cannot be said of the role that the event’s champion Metro Media with Sky Juice and Oliver at the helm have now played in winning fair and square. Yes it’s true that it has been close to two decades since he had clashed but anyone who took the time to research, would not have made the ill-advised choice to count him out.
The critics also bemoaned the inclusion of 45s but if we are going to expect the industry to survive and gain new sound systems/selectors’ entrants then how can they survive without being able to keep pace with dubs from artistes who have passed away? Besides what would be the excitement for patrons who already know who owns what dubs and which counteraction will slay them? Sadly it’s been the same thing over and over each clash so we had to R.E.S.E.T. di ting!
So massive was the visibility of the event that Jamaica’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism and Entertainment Damion Crawford, tweeted in hopes of having the event hit Jamaica’s shores once again, but this time Kingston may be calling.
It is hoped that the respective Jamaican authorities with responsibility for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism along with Minister Crawford, will take a genuine interest as the continued successful staging of World Clash and now World Clash R.E.S.E.T indicates a healthy product that does enhance Jamaica’s creative export legacy, but which Jamaicans at home should also be able to enjoy in person as they are the originators of sound clash culture.
Sadly factors including the Noise Abatement Act that stipulates outdoor events being terminated at or before 2am, a dizzying number of permits among other fees, for which there is no central collecting/payment office and bribes by the Police who often times also have to be paid to ensure your event isn’t abruptly terminated, despite fulfilling all legal requirements, are just some of the many stringent deterrents in hosting an event in Jamaica.
No need to take only our word for how well the event was produced see a few of the thousands of tweets relating to last night’s World Clash R.E.S.E.T 2.
Clash fans are again excited, young and veteran selectors feel encouraged, clash & juggling sound systems are forging a partnership, and just maybe some major corporate endorsements can be realized to inject some much needed capital if we are to grow the sport beyond its largely Caribbean community base.
In conclusion #TEAMIRISHANDCHIN whole heartedly gives thanks for all the support!
Irishandchin.com
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