The 2024 instalment of the Global Reggae Conference, held at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, was well supported as it delved into Jamaica’s sound system culture and technology with a series of memorable events.

Organised by UWI’s Institute of Caribbean Studies and the Reggae Studies Unit, from February 14 to 17, the conference showcased the profound impact of Jamaica’s sound clash culture worldwide, with Guinness as the lead sponsor. On the list of well-attended events was the Guinness UWI Student Sound Clash, held on February 15, at The UWI Mona Faculty of Humanities and Education courtyard.

It set the stage for university student DJs to showcase their musical prowess in three rounds: chune fi chune/clash round, jugglin’ round, and a themed round featuring Afrobeats and reggae genres. Judges, including Professor Donna Hope, Professor Pablo D. Herrera Veitia, Professor Mike Haijmichael and Dr Sonjah Stanley Niaah, evaluated the contestants on their stage presence, creativity, and song selection.

The contestants unleashed a series of hits with Alleyah Wright, aka DJ Kaotic, emerging victorious, securing bragging rights and $200,000 for equipment and tuition. Subsequently on February 17, the Guinness-sponsored Sound System Night drew out the crowd as DJ Kaotic returned.

This time around, he teamed up with DJ Isaneo from Jugglin’ Masters and competed against iLawi of JahLove, and Boomdraw. The disc jockeys steered the audience through a captivating reggae and dancehall journey.

Once again, DJ Kaotic swept up the competition’s grand prize of J$200,000, in collaboration with DJ Isaneo. It was certainly a night for the books!