KINGSTON, Jamaica — As Magnum celebrates its 25th anniversary, the brand eagerly anticipates the 2024 Reggae Sumfest, where they proudly serve as presenting sponsors of the Sound Clash competition scheduled for Wednesday, July 17.
The event holds special significance for Magnum, reflecting their longstanding commitment to Jamaican culture and music AS Magnum is the preferred drink of dancehall.
Dominic Bell, Communications Manager at J Wray & Nephew Ltd, expressed the brand’s excitement for this year’s staging. Reflecting on Magnum’s quarter-century milestone, Bell revealed that despite the absence of a dedicated Magnum clash to determine their sound of choice, the team has decided to give the final spot to Code Red Sound, who will also be representing Jamaica.
Code Red holds a few titles of its own, including the reigning World Clash champion in 2022 and the first sound from Jamaica in almost 20 years to win a mainstream clash in Germany, beating out a sound from Poland.
“Last year, Dynamq Sound from South Sudan emerged as 2023 champions at Reggae Sumfest Global Sound Clash and Jamrock Cruise Clash, underscoring the profound impact and global reach of our culture. We are looking forward to the event and are excited to witness what these sound systems will bring to the table this year. Warrior Sound from Germany, Reggae Sumfest Global’s clash winner from previous years, has proven to be a real contender, with a few other titles under his belt, including the Welcome to Jamrock Cruise Clash. Body-Guard will be representing Jamaica as a foundation sound and multi-clash title holder,” Bell said.
He added, “New to the Reggae Sumfest Global Clash stage, and the first female to enter the clash, is Notorious representing Japan. We are very excited to see what she has in store as we believe she is going to surprise a lot of people.”
As a staple event on the Reggae Sumfest calendar, the Magnum Global Sound Clash draws massive crowds, and Bell noted that the ongoing support for this vibrant event is a testament to Magnum’s dedication to Jamaican culture and music.
“The Reggae Sumfest Global Sound Clash has evolved into a premier calendar event, drawing top-tier participants each year. We are looking forward to experiencing the usual creativity and wit from the sound systems and their various MCs. Sound Clash events are really more than tune for tune; we’ve come to realise that personalities play a massive role in how each sound performs. We are excited to see how each will represent.”
The competition, which has seen significant growth since its inception, will be held at the larger Catherine Hall Stadium. Cordell ‘Skatta’ Burrell, head of A&R and Street Promotions, Downsound Entertainment/Reggae Sumfest, highlighted the event’s evolution into a top-tier attraction, celebrating the pulsating energy of Jamaican culture.
“The Sound Clash has blossomed into a top-tier calendar event. On clash nights, patrons can feel the spirit of Jamaican culture pulsating through the speakers as each sound performs,” Burrell said. “Over the years, the Sound Clash has evolved from a niche event to a marquee attraction that draws thousands of fans. This transformation is a testament to the passion and dedication of the participating sound systems and the unwavering support of the fans. The energy is palpable, and the competition fierce, as each sound brings its best to claim the coveted title. The larger venue at Catherine Hall Stadium is a reflection of this growth, allowing more patrons to experience the electrifying atmosphere and the dynamic performances that define the Sound Clash. We’re incredibly proud of how far the event has come and excited to see what this year’s clash will bring.”
Reggae Sumfest CEO Joe Bogdanovich echoed the excitement and emphasised the importance of the Sound Clash in promoting Jamaican music and culture on a global stage.
“The Sound Clash is a cornerstone of Reggae Sumfest, showcasing the raw talent and competitive spirit that defines our music scene. It’s an event that brings together fans from all over the world, uniting them in their love for reggae and dancehall. As we continue to grow and expand, the Sound Clash remains a vital part of our mission to elevate Jamaican culture. We’re thrilled to see Magnum’s continued support and look forward to an incredible showdown this year. With Magnum celebrating its 25th anniversary, this year’s event holds even more significance, marking a milestone for both the brand and the festival,” said Bogdanovich.