Fire City draws first blood in GSOG

Local sound clash competition Guinness Sounds of Greatness (GSOG) has returned with a blazing line-up. The launch took place at the Red Stripe Oval recently, where Fire City with DJ Fire Shane emerged the winner of the first of four qualifying rounds.

"Fire Shane is a prime example of raw young talent," said Nathan Nelms, Red Stripe's assistant brand manager for stouts and Malta. "He has so much energy and potential. He has a following and is able to really ignite the crowd. We look forward to seeing what he comes with in the GSOG final."

The competition provides the high-energy atmosphere for which dancehall is known and a platform to showcase local sound clash titans, ultimately naming the top sound system. "In order to make it as a sound in Jamaica, you have to be made of more," said Nelms. "Guinness Sounds of Greatness is proud to provide a clean clash environment which will indentify the sound that deserves the one million dollars and the bragging rights."

The night's competitors, Uncontainables, Royalty Sound, Baby Wayne and Fire City, juggled for 15 minutes each in the first round. Resident judges Richie Feelings and Ricky Trooper were joined by guest judges Tall Boss and Badda Bling.

Baby Wayne and Uncontainables exited after the first two rounds, leaving Royalty Sound and Fire City. Royalty Sound's dub plates seemed endless, but they were no match for Fire Shane's energy, which gave him the edge.

While the judges deliberated, Ding Dong and the Ravers Clavers maintained the energy, performing their latest hits Too Kool and Yeng Yeng. The next sound clash takes place on October 21 at the Red Stripe Oval, where another four sound systems will compete for $100,000 in prize money and the coveted second spot in the final.

Here are some highlights from the clash.