Eight weeks of Magnum ALL-STAR Face-Off

Curtis Campbell, Gleaner Writer

The STAR and Magnum are gearing up to host a weekly music clash event, the Magnum ALL-STAR Face-Off. The series, lasting eight weeks, will feature some of Jamaica's most popular celebrities from the entertainment and political landscape.

After eight weeks of battle, the ultimate ALL-STAR champion selector will walk away with $1,000,000. However, the persons participating in the Celeb Face-Off segment of the event are not eligible for the big prize.

The clashes will take place in the Famous Nightclub, Portmore, St Catherine, and will see five selectors/sound systems going head to head for weekly points. The selector or sound with the most points will be awarded the ultimate prize, plus claiming the accompanying bragging rights, of course.

Competing in the clash are multi-award winning Ricky Trooper, Portmore's own Flava Unit, Kingston-based Coppershot, rural heavyweight Bredda Hype and the enigmatic Redd Heat, from St Elizabeth.

As for the celebrities, patrons can expect see clashes between politicians Damion Crawford and Daryl Vaz, female artistes Daniel DI and Stacious, comedians Christopher Johnny Daley and Ity and Fancy Cat, as well as deejay D' Angel who is booked to battle fellow female artiste Ishawna on Thursday, November 7.

D' Angel is keeping her game plan close to her chest.

"The night of the event, everyone will know what I'm bringing to the table. I have my own skills and tactics. I am coming prepared. My fans can come out to see D'Angel in a different light as a selector. This is a different capacity and they will see me in a different light. They have never seen me in a selector's profile. It's going to be fun and I'm going to bring my A-game," she said.

Ricky Trooper unfazed

However, champion sound selector, Ricky Trooper, who is set to do battle in the opening clash on Thursday, October 31, is neither fazed nor concerned about his competition. According to the sometimes controversial yet iconic selector, he has experience under his belt. However, his only concern is Flava Unit's home advantage.

Challenge

"The only sound I think is going to be a challenge is Flava Unit. They come from Portmore and they have a strong following over there. That is the only clash I know is going to be a challenge. I am not worried by the type of songs they are going to play. I'm not worried about Coppershot or none of them. Clashing is my life," he said.

Ricky Trooper, who won a popular Jamaican clash two years ago, already has plans on how he will spend the $1M. According to him, he plans to invest part of the money in the Magnificent Troopers Drum Corps.

The Magnum ALL-STAR Face-Off in Famous Nightclub will commence on Thursday, October 31, and will see Sound Trooper going up against Bredda Hype, as well as Ity and Fancy Cat who will go up against Christopher Johnny Daley. The clashes will be held each following Thursday night starting at 11 p.m. sharp, so patrons are encouraged to turn out early.

Females will be admitted to the event free. However, males will be charged $1,000 at the gate. There will also be special deals on beverages courtesy of title sponsors Magnum Tonic Wine. Other sponsors for the event are Famous Nightclub, Sting and Hype TV.