Over a dozen dancehall sound systems are scheduled to participate in the Goodyear Sounds Festival, Jamaica's first ever festival of sound systems slated for Independence Day (August 6) at the Goodyear Oval in St Thomas.
By Basil Walters"We are hoping that it will be an annual event, but that will depend on the level of support we get from the fans from St Thomas. If this one is successful enough to convince us that the fans believe in the product, then it will continue", declared Isaiah Laing head honcho of Supreme Promotions, organisers of the festival.
The Goodyear Sounds Festival will be a day and night dancehall session, and will revolve around a massive stage setting with two turntables. There, the sound selectors and a slew of old and new hardcore deejays will display their lyrical prowess and musical selections.
Each sound system represented at the festival will be allowed to host a popular act that has evolved from the sound system experience. So far, festival organisers Supreme Promotions (promoters of Sting) and Dream Team Promotions report that only one singer and one singjay have been booked to appear, while the remaining acts are deejays.
Champion sound Stone Love will host the festival featuring King Jammy's along with old school deejay and singjay heaveyweights Admiral Bailey and Pinchers respectively; Black Scorpio will feature General Trees and the original Sassafrass on board; the "War-head" Merciless and Simpleton will be working out with the set Danga Zone; Rebel T will provide the musical grist for the "gold teeth Don Gorgon" Ninjaman and Ricky General; Mellow Construction, one of two sets representing host parish St Thomas, will be in combination with its parishioner in roots and culture crooner Bushman as well as King Everald; Lee's Unlimited the other home ground sound will have as its guest, King Yellowman and Captain Barkey and Wickerman; King Midas will be host to Charlie Chaplin and Jose Wales; Glamour Wayne will be guided by Lone Ranger and Wilton Irie; and Black Cat, reputedly the reigning world champion will be accompanied by Pink Panther and Vybz Kartel.
Although the organisers have taken great care in promoting the event as a festival and not a "sound clash", there is strong rivalry between the two sound systems from St Thomas - Mellow Construction and Lee's Unlimited.
