Winners Simple Touch had the crowd in a frenzy at the Guinness Sounds of Greatness Semi Finals 2.

Kingston, Jamaica – Monday, August 26, 2024: “This competition has given us a platform far beyond what we ever imagined. Since last month, we have been getting more requests than we imagined,” DJ Danejah of RockWildaz said as he reflected on the journey since the end of this season’s Guinness Sounds of Greatness tournament. The GSOG Sound Clash has proven to be a game-changer for RockWildaz and Simple Touch, the newly crowned co-winners of the competition. The exposure from a global platform has not only boosted both sound systems’ visibility and respect within the Sound Clash community but also opened doors for increased bookings and collaborations with artistes, setting the stage for both teams to expand their influence and impact within the industry.

Both RockWildaz and Simple Touch emerged from communities where music was more than just background noise—it was a way of life. 

Hailing from Carlisle, Red Bank, St. Elizabeth, Simple Touch nurtured their dream of becoming DJs from an early age. “⁠Music was always a constant in our lives. Surrounded by it, we often attended Round Robins, where we watched older DJs and MCs in action. It was in those moments that our inspiration truly took root. Now, we are here, doing what we love, just like those men we admired,” reflected Simple Touch’s DJ Axy. 

Similarly, RockWildaz, rooted in Central Village, Big Lane, Spanish Town, St. Catherine had their sights set on a career in music from their childhood years. However, despite the challenge of unpaid gigs when they just came on the scene, their unwavering passion for music eventually led to recognition and paid opportunities. “Growing up, I always told myself I’d become one of Jamaica’s biggest DJs. With this mindset, I knew that no matter what, I’d stay true to my passion because I believed in myself and others believed in me,” DJ Kre Kre admitted. 

To culminate years of dedication and hard work for both teams, the GSOG sound clash marked the perfect opportunity to showcase their skills. For Simple Touch, the call to participate was the fulfilment of a long-held dream, “It was something we had always hoped to do, so when our boss got the call, we knew this was our opportunity to explore it,” said DJ Axy. DJ Danejah of RockWildaz also echoed this enthusiasm, realising that GSOG was a chance to elevate their status in the music world.

The journey to becoming co-winners of GSOG 2024 was one marked by intense preparation, strategic execution, and moments of both exhilaration and anxiety. Yet, both teams remained focused on their goal: to prove their worth in one of Jamaica’s most revered sound clash competitions. DJ Levon of Simple Touch shared, “The preparation was nerve-wracking because we wanted to show our ability as top-tier, but eventually, it was enough to get us a spot as co-winners.”

Reflecting on the competition, DJ Axy of Simple Touch praised the platform provided by Guinness, “It was an incredible experience participating in the competition, from the qualifying round to the championship. We’ve learnt so much along the way, and we must applaud Guinness for giving us the platform to showcase our talent.”

With the wisdom gained from their music careers and now the GSOG competition, RockWildaz and Simple Touch offer advice to aspiring DJs. DJ Danejah emphasised, “Believe in yourself and work assiduously on your craft. Hard work, smart work, consistency, and promotion are essential for success.” DJ Levon added, “Always prepare thoroughly by studying your opponents and understanding the competition. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and deliver a performance that makes your fans proud and keeps the judges impressed.”

As they look ahead, both teams are embracing their new chapter with renewed purpose. RockWildaz, who once doubted their place in the clash arena, are now making strategic moves to solidify their presence. “We never knew we could be at this level, but now we’re definitely making some moves,” added DJ Kre Kre. 

For Simple Touch, DJ Axy of Simple Touch expressed their excitement about the future, “This is a significant milestone for our team, and we’re thrilled about what lies ahead. We’re now looking forward to accepting international bookings and participating in clashes both locally and globally.”

As the dust settles on GSOG 2024, RockWildaz and Simple Touch are ready to seize the new opportunities their victory has brought, inspiring the next generation of sound clash champions with their passion, determination, and resilience.

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