In the lead-up to Reggae Sumfest 2025, the much-anticipated Global Fete pre-event put Jamaica’s musical and sound system culture on full display. Held at the Catherine Hall Stadium Complex, in Montego Bay on July 17th, the event featured a high-energy mix of live performances, sound clashes, and top-tier DJs.
From the outset, the growing crowd soaked up the vibes as DJ Coppershot, Richie Ras, Fyah Man, and DJ Gabby kept the tunes flowing. DJ Gabby—formerly Gabrielle Davis—isn’t new to the spotlight. A former Pulse model and actress, she appeared on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop: Miami in 2018. Since picking up the turntables in late 2019, just before the pandemic, she’s made a name for herself as a dynamic open-format DJ, blending dancehall, hip-hop, and Afrobeats.
Tony Matterhorn vs Notorious International: A Clash to Remember
The highlight of the night was the fiercely contested global sound system clash between Likkle Shabba of Notorious International—who, in 2024, clinched victory with Japan’s Bad Gyal Marie and challenger veteran DJ and selector Tony Matterhorn.
Representing Kingston 13, Matterhorn took to the stage with his trademark flair, but Likkle Shabba showed no signs of intimidation. Despite Matterhorn’s years of experience—and hit tracks like Dutty Wine and Goodas Fi Dem—Shabba held his own. Their musical duel was electrifying, with fans blowing vuvuzelas and cheering them on well into the early hours of the morning.
Matterhorn stormed through the early rounds, quickly establishing himself as the crowd favourite. However, in a dramatic turn, it was Likkle Shabba who emerged victorious. Judges Fireman from Fyah 105 FM and Dwight ‘Bub’ James credited Shabba’s strong finish in the decisive ‘tune fi tune’ segment as the deciding factor.
Despite the judges’ decision and the audience overwhelmingly voting for Shabba in the final round, Matterhorn refused to concede defeat. He insisted the win was his, pointing to his dominance in the earlier rounds and calling the final decision unjust—a sentiment echoed by many of his loyal supporters at the venue
Stellar Performances to Close the Night
Following the clash, the Global Fete wrapped up with a trio of energetic performances. Ghanaian singer Moliy had the crowd singing along to her infectious global hit Shake it to the Max. Dancehall firebrand Marcy Chin delivered a powerful set, and rising star Yung Bredda impressed with his energetic performance, cementing the night as one full of musical fire and flair.
