The promoters Irish & Chin are relaunching their World Clash in New York after four blank years with a watchword: “Restoring Exciting Sound system Entertainment Together” (R.E.S.E.T.). A challenge for the organisers, who threw in the towel in 2007, after the competition's 10th anniversary, lamenting that the clash scene was running out of steam.
The night will be held over Easter weekend, on Saturday 7 April, at the historic club Amazura, with seven sound systems in the running. The bill is ripe for settling scores and duels: Black Kat and Bass Odyssey, the two Jamaican “clash machines”, Earth Ruler (New York) and Poison Dart (Florida) for a remake of the Civil War, north against south, Tony Matterhorn and Fire Links, whose rivalry dates from the time when they were selectors for King Addies and Bodyguard respectively. The last contender for the trophy is the freshly decorated Sir David Rodigan.
This new New York date does not call into question the traditional World Clash Jamaica, which will return to Montego Bay on Easter Monday, after a year's absence.