Japanese sound into All-Star clash semis

Japanese sound, Rispec Jam, rocked the third knockout round in the Magnum All-Star Sound Clash competition, winning their matchup against the Manchester-based Black Magic last Friday.

The All-Star headquarters at Olympic Way in St Andrew came alive with the familiar blaring of horns as patrons enjoyed the excitement which unfolded.

Rispec Jam played from a catalogue of interesting dubs going as far back as the '80s in a heated battle, which saw the two sound systems jeering and taunting each other. The Japanese sound won the first four of the five rounds to register an epic win.

MC Kenji, from Rispec Jam, said that after losing their first preliminary round clash against Echo 1, they went back to the mixing board and came back prepared.

"In the first game, we lost to Echo 1 and me realise seh me nuh catch patois good and me focus on entertainment that time, that's why we lost the clash," MC Kenji said.

The Japanese live in the Kingston 13 area, and have declared their love for Jamaica's culture.

"Me feel happy about winning the clash but at first we felt surprised, feel like me deh pon dream. But we feel good that we won," the Japanese selector said.

Regional marketing manager for Magnum Tonic Wine, Kamal Powell, shared that having Rispec Jam in the competition could potentially open the door for more international participants in the future.

"I want to say congratulations to Rispec Jam, they did their homework and it paid off tonight. Having Rispec Jam from Japan adds some flavour to the competition and the patrons love the diversity because tonight the crowd was heavy. We are looking forward to next week's show to see who will advance to the semi-finals," Powell said.

Echo 1 and Road Kode are to contest for the final spot in the semi-finals this Friday. The winner of that clash will join Rispec Jam, Unruly Stumpy and Five Star General in the semi-final round.

The sound systems are clashing for a cash prize of one million dollars, a trophy and title of best sound system on the island.