It is said that iron sharpens iron.
This used to be a principle that governed battle culture within hip hop.
Ever since the pandemic, however, the culture of hip hop has fallen in love with the idea of two artists entering an arena and flexing their capabilities in the hopes of winning a battle as we saw so often with the popular American based Versuz, dreamt up by legendary producers Timbland and Swizz Beatz.
Following this notion, Red Bull have announced a Sound Clash which is to be similar to Versuz. The idea is to have two artists go against each other armed with the best offering in their respective catalogues. The first battle will be between rappers Sjava and Focalistic.
The concept goes back to the days of Dancehall Reggae sound clashes, where massive sound systems or crews would battle each other, and the crowd’s approval was used as a barometer for success or failure. Since starting in 2006 in the Netherlands, Red Bull Sound Clash has taken this concept all around the world and now is the time for South Africa to enjoy this spectacle.
Read more | COLUMN | The ills of being involved with someone you no longer want to be with
“I can’t really give that type of information away it’s supposed to be a secret so you'd have to be there to see how I match my soulful sound,” Sjava says in response to how his more soulful sound will match up against his more up-tempo opponent.
“I like his music; I’ve always liked his music from the first song I heard from him. I like how he represents where he comes from. I think Focalistic is super talented.”
He likes the Sound Clash concept, “I think it’s fun, it’s something different, something I have never done before. I’m excited about the event. I don’t think the concept is the same as Versuz it’s two different shows. On Versus its song for song and with the Red Bull Sound Clash you have different rounds.”
The two will surely provide a decent show as they both have a firm grasp on how to go about moving a crowd which at one point in time was the main function of an MC. Sjava also mentions how we wouldn’t mind doing battle in this format with his former label mate Amanda Black.
Read more | Thando Thabethe's winning season - 'I love my work'
He plays his cards close to his chest and doesn’t reveal any strategies he might employ on the day or even mention a few of the songs he might play in this battle but encourages you to purchase a ticket to witness how this will all unfold.
We recently saw Sjava join Big Zulu on stage at the Back To The City hip hop festival and although the set involved a lot of singing, there were some moments when the pair had the crowd in complete unison, their arms waving to the beat of the music in what was a spectacular sight to behold.
“I’m proud of myself and thanks to Big Zulu because I was not booked for the actual event. We performed Umbayimbayi together. It was so special because the previous year we were on the same stage rapping and this time we were on the same stage singing. It was a beautiful moment.
“It was good because people are normally used to us rapping more. It was epic for us to see them sing instead of rapping.”
Focalistic was unavailable to speak about his involvement in the battle but Sjava is looking forward to the Sound Clash, "I don’t do much of these types of events so, this would be one of the first."
The Red Bull Sound Clash will take place on 28 October at the SunBet Arena, Time Square Casino in Pretoria.
