NY lawyer staging Matterhorn, Pink Panther online clash July 4
Published:Monday | June 22, 2020 | 12:00 AMShereita Grizzle/Staff Reporter
Following on the heels of the historic Bounty Killer/Beenie Man Verzuz clash, New York attorney-at-law Chauncey Henry has decided to organise a sound clash he hopes will garner similar international attention. Scheduled for July 4, the clash will see two of dancehall’s most noted selectors going head-to-head in original sound clash style in what Henry has described as an ode to Jamaica’s strong clash legacy.
Henry told The Gleaner that in addition to bringing some eyes to the country’s rich sound clash history, the online event will also pay respects to the selectors who have played an integral role in keeping the country’s clash culture alive. “Dancehall’s legacy all started with the sound system and the DJ is probably the most important component in it all. Without them, who would play the artistes’ music,” he questioned. “This is all about us showing genuine love for the culture. It’s not commercialised. Let’s see if they love the culture as much as they say, and let’s see if they give the DJs the credit that is due.”
Dubbed Death in the Arena, the musical square-off will involve clash kings, Tony Matterhorn and Pink Panther. According to Henry, it should be a showdown of such epic proportions, he expects it to be as well supported as the iconic Verzuz battle. It is to that extent that Henry has called upon the internationally renowned Walshy Fire of Major Lazer to play host to the online battle. The showdown will be streamed from Walshy Fire’s Instagram and YouTube accounts, which have almost 16 million followers in total. It will also be available on Apple TV, Roku and Boxcast through a simple ‘Death in the Arena’ search. Smartphone users will also be able to watch the epic battle through a special app expected to go live two days before the event. The app will be available for download from the Apple app store for iPhone users and Google Play Store for Android users. Henry said his team is going all out to ensure everyone who wants to tune in to the battle is not denied that opportunity.
Authenticity
To add to the authentic dancehall vibe they are hoping to create, Henry has reserved a 20,000 square-foot LiveNation venue in South Florida for the event and is retrofitting the building to look like an arena. He said although there will be no audience, the clash should still feel like thousands are physically present. Paying respects to team members Blair Bennett, Dalevera Henry and Sharon Burke, Henry encouraged Jamaicans in and around the diaspora, as well as lovers of sound clash and dancehall music, to log in and enjoy the show.
Selector Tony Matterhorn also encouraged persons to tune in to the showdown. Expressing his joy at participating in the online event, Matterhorn said it’s events like these that help to keep the clash culture alive in Jamaica. “It feels good to be a part of the clash. I mean, being part of the clash fraternity for over two decades, it’s a pleasure to be representing the clash industry on any platform, and so I’m looking forward to it,” he said. “Events like these are vital to the musical culture, as it is important to show that sound clash as we call it, is still prevalent and is still active. Over the years, the clash culture has deteriorated to some extent and so it’s still good to know that the clash fans are out there, and it’s important for us to keep this part of the culture going and buzzing just the same.”
The official partners of Death in The Arena are Digicel International and YuckyHands.com.