Jamaica’s National Arena transformed into “Gaza land” as every deejay unleashed Vybz Kartel’s catalog round after round at the Red Bull Culture Clash, all vying for victory. The “Fever” deejay was in the audience, witnessing the power of his music catalog ahead of his Freedom Street concert set for December 31, next door at the National Stadium.
Though Kartel didn’t perform, his music catalogue spanning over 20 years was played more than any other artist, a testament to his lasting influence in the dancehall world even though he spent 13 years in prison.
The second staging of the clash showcased Jamaica’s vibrant sound system culture in an intense musical face-off. The MadHouse Experience clinched victory by default after the night’s standout sound system, ‘Jamaica Wi Seh,’ was disqualified due to replaying a song.
Across the five-round clash—including a tie-breaker—powerhouse crews Big Bad Soca, Lon Don Crew, and Jamaica Wi Seh brought exclusive dubplates and surprise performances, electrifying the night.
In the rounds leading to the tie-breaker, Jamaica Wi Seh captured the crowd’s vote in rounds two and three, ‘The Selector’ and ‘Time To Get Versatile,’ respectively. However, MadHouse Experience equalized in the high-stakes final round with a set that brought out dancehall icons, setting the stage for a dramatic 5-minute showdown, where MadHouse Experience ultimately clinched victory.
Reflecting on their win, MadHouse Experience crew members expressed pride and excitement. “We’re elated, grateful, excited, thankful, and proud of the whole team!” shared crew lead Cham, emphasizing the careful planning and passion that went into each round. “We really thought out everything: every round, every dub, every guest, every detail… We wanted people to enjoy themselves! Big up to all our special guests and everyone behind the scenes.”
MadHouse Experience’s approach, which avoided cutting derogatory dubplates or calling out competitors, focused purely on entertaining the audience. “We respect every competitor,” Cham continued, “so we crafted a set with big records and high energy. For our set with Beenie and Bounty, we wanted to bring back the classic clash vibe—how sounds did it back in the day, like King Jammy’s and Studio Mix.”
Throughout the night, over 20 guest artists hit the stage, including Capleton, Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Masicka, Stalk Ashley, Ding Dong, Masicka, Ishawna, & Bravo Ravers, Jahvillani, and others.
Donna Hussey, Corporate Affairs Manager of Main Event Entertainment Group Ltd, the leading production team behind the event, expressed pride in helping Red Bull deliver a world-class celebration of Jamaican music. “Being part of an event that showcases and elevates Jamaica’s cultural heritage on an international platform is deeply rewarding. This collaboration reaffirms our commitment to quality and celebrates our nation’s vibrant spirit,” Hussey said.
Since its inception in 2010, Red Bull Culture Clash inspired by Jamaican sound system culture has evolved into a worldwide phenomenon. Several stagings having happened in the U.S and Europe over the years.
