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Area Code 876 - Contributed
Bredda Hype - FILE
The public's entertainment appetite has again been whet by one of the most superb entertainment displays on the airwaves. The Guinness Sounds of Greatness Competition got off with a bang on Saturday, September 3.
This entertainment package will, over the next few weeks, showcase some of the best sound systems in the industry, going head to head to prove the ultimate show-stopper for 2011. First out of the blocks was the matchup between Crazy Chris and Rich Squad. Rich Squad emerged the clear winner in that encounter.
The next two contenders from the Hot Shot Category will be Area Code 876 and Bredda Hype.
No stranger to the entertainment industry, the Area Code 876 sound system is aiming to prove that they are a cut above the rest. An assertive group leader, Fire Blacks contends that, just as the name suggests so has the experience and popularity been for the sound system, which has covered Jamaica and, by extension, several parts of the world.
Area Code 876 comprises two main personalities, Fire Blacks and Dj Dujon. This musical alliance was formed six years ago. However, Blacks involvement in sound-system operations spans some 20 years, playing with sounds such as Heat Wave, Megamus and Rebel T.
Born Alton Cox, and one of a family of six boys, Fire Blacks says music is his reason for living. Interestingly, Blacks adds that his moniker, is actually a creative combination of one of his favourite catchwords (fire), along with the surname of one of his musical icons, the late Alton Black.
Additionally, it is creativity and the love for this art that have carried Area Code 876 to the US, Canada, Europe and parts of the Caribbean. The cliché 'music choose me', quite aptly describes the depth of Fire Blacks' fascination with this expression.
Fire Blacks credits his father David 'Dice' from the Physical Sound System and Senor Daley from Classique as his inspirations. He adds that his fans also play a vital role, as they add much-needed fuel to his musical fire.
Having previously entered competitions such as Fully Loaded, Blacks contends that Guinness Sounds of Greatness will give them another opportunity to shine.
To his rival, Fire Blacks warns "nuh tek wi light".
Like ants to a bowl of sugar. This is how Bredda Hype describes his love for music. The man at the helm of the sound system of the same name says his affiliation with the art began from a very tender age as he would follow closely the trends in the business.
However, it was approximately 11 years ago that he answered the call to become a sound-system selector. At that time, he did the opposite of what many of his colleagues in the industry often do and left town go to the country.
Birth name Rohan Cowan, Bredda Hype left Kingston destined for St Elizabeth to play on the True Love sound system. His aim was simply to take his talent to the country, as the urban areas were already bursting at the seams with musicians.
After many years, the True Love sound system was laid to rest, but it did not take Hype's interest with it. It was this that gave him the impetus to form a group of his own.
In 2005, Hype fashioned his own sound with friends Hammer Head and Fire Finger.
The leader of this musical faction says the journey has been very rewarding. The tall Leo man says he got the name Bredda from his mother, and Hype, from his fans.
He credits many of the giants in the entertainment industry as his inspiration, while adding that he saw the competition as a great opportunity for him to showcase his talent.
Bredda Hype has a few words for his competitor - "Mi nuh come fi loose".
Catch the face-off between Bredda Hype and Area Code 876 this Saturday on TVJ at 9:30 p.m.
