Reggae sound systems King Shine Sound and Twin Star International will rest their reputations on the line when they lock horns in the first international sound clash in Bermuda in nearly two decades at Devonshire Recreation Club tonight.

Twin Star International are representing Canada and have in their corner talented selectors Peasah, Wizzla, and Blaxz who are the two-times Africa Cup Clash champions.

The Sound system is presently participating in the popular Boom All Star Sound Clash series in Kingston, Jamaica, where they recently faced off against Bass Odyssey Sound and Code Red Sound.

Representing the United States is the highly rated and respected King Shine Sound, the 2017 Brooklyn Show Down Champion, who are about to embark on several weeks of sound clashing spread across Bermuda, Germany and New York.

Both sound systems will battle it out for the trophy up for grabs in what has been dubbed as the “Hard-Ball Sound Clash”, which begins at 11pm sharp, with doors opening an hour earlier.

So what exactly is a sound clash? A sound clash is a musical competition where crew members from opposing sound systems pit their skills, sound equipment and song’s against one another.

Sound clash primarily feature reggae and dancehall music and are an integral component of reggae and dancehall culture, as this was the earliest outlet for new songs and artists to become popular as the radio did not play Ragga (Reggae) in the early 60s and 70s. Sound systems would use pre-release 45s (vinyl recordings), R&B sing overs by Jamaican artists (cover song), or specials (dubplates) by popular Jamaican artists during these sound clash events.

The last time Bermuda hosted an international sound clash was in 2000 when America’s Tony Matterhorn clashed with Jamaica’s Fire Links at North Village Field.

The event is being hosted by Live My Life Promotion and has been endorsed by Sb4L, aka Sound Boyz 4 Life, who along with local artists, sound system crews and promoters have been campaigning for the preservation and promotion of authentic reggae and dancehall culture events within the island’s bars and clubs over the past five years.

“This single idea or mission statement motivated many sound system crews and DJ’s to feature more reggae and dancehall music in their sets and promoters to host reggae and dancehall music only events to ensure the genre was showcased in all of it artistic forms,” a Sb4L spokesman explained.

“To facilitate this new initiative of the culture “Sound Boyz 4 Life” & www.SB4l.com was created to represent, archive, produce, promote and feature all reggae and dancehall culture activities local or abroad featuring Bermuda artists, sound crews, DJs and promoters.”

As the movement has evolved, SB4L.com has become the central hub for Bermuda nightlife promotion, local sound system information and media content (photo, audio, and video recordings) of Bermuda’s reggae and dancehall culture from the past to the present.

“With Bermuda sound crews, DJ, artist, and promoters working together for one common interest, the culture has grown strength to strength as the return of sound clash and sound system events, such as Anything Ah Anyting, King’s of the Hype pt1 & pt2, Bermy Cup Clash 1 & 2, and Killer Season Cup Clash 2016 have been some of the most successful events in recent years that have increased patron demand for sound clash events,” the Sb4L spokesman added.

Sb4L have further plans to host the first “Sound System Festival” featuring ten-plus of Bermuda’s top sound system and crews this summer.

“It has been some time since Bermuda has been considered a premier place for reggae and dancehall events featuring top top-tier international acts,” the Sb4L spokesman added. “SB4L.com believe Bermuda has been missing this WOW factor as sound clash culture is now a global industry with sound clash happening weekly around the world.

“With the advent of live- streaming events and media outlets providing promotional service and in-depth event coverage patron’s can watch, listen or read from the comfort of their home.

“The island is in dire need of this entertainment as local sound clash is slowly becoming popular again but has been in need of the international influence and exposure.”