It was the event of the clash scene: the Undertaker Trophy, organised by Kawulé, delivered its verdict on Sunday night. In the competition pitting France against Switzerland, the representatives of the Hexagon, Soul Stereo and Guiding Star, got the better of Ruffpack and Back Inna Days.
Teamed up with Soul Stereo, for whom it was a big return to clashing, Guiding Star thus indirectly took its revenge on Back Inna Days.
In a Tag Team format, each sound faced its rivals solo, then two rounds were played as teams. The strategies differed, with the French choosing to share the roles completely by playing five tunes each in turn, while the Swiss preferred to use just one selecta, while the MCs of Ruffpack and BID held the stage.
Before winning the final dub fi dub by a wide margin (28 tunes, 7 per team), the French had already dominated proceedings, winning both team rounds. On the Swiss side, Ruffpack saved face by beating both Guiding Star and Soul Stereo.
The outcome of the clash was never in doubt, as the French, who had home advantage, played better throughout the night, piling up combinations featuring several artists (Tarrus Riley, Sugar Minott, Jimmy Riley / Red Rose, Burro Banton, Reggie Stepper, John Wayne / Vegas, Cobra, Lukie D). The Swiss also had several sound problems: playing too loud, they ran into the sound limiter, while the French took care not to play in the red.
It was still an avalanche of hits on both sides, with a tone that was more roots than dancehall. Roll on the next one!