Maestro. - Contributed

It is said that it only takes a spark to get a fire going. So far, the competitors in the Guinness Sounds of Greatness have done just that as they have started a musical blaze that has spread all over the island.

In the last match of wits, Sound Trooper emerged the champion and will therefore get the opportunity to trade musical blows with Silverhawk in the semi-finals.

As the battle nears the end, and the popularity of the show increases, this time around, previous round-one winners Hotta Maestro and Black Blunt will battle it out.

Maestro: "I've done my preparation and I am armed and dangerous."

Still energised from his defeat of fellow sound-system selector Boom Boom, Maestro contends that despite all the excitement and added support he has since garnered, he is still focused on the looming war. The previous round saw Maestro pulling out all the stops by not only displaying an overall well-prepared set, but an entertaining and thought-provoking musical battle.

With years of experience under his belt, having started at the age of 14, Maestro, born Carl Shelley, deems himself as a master of music and uses the medium to entertain and educate. This medium, he reveals, has taken him all over the world and this competition has so far given him the opportunity to settle some unfinished business and show that he is indeed a cut above the rest.

Although short in stature, when it comes to knowledge and experience in the entertainment business, Maestro is a giant and promises round two will further cement his talent among the top names in sound clash history.

Maestro has gained even more encouragement and popularity since the last clash, but warns that he has not been blinded by his success. For him, preparation begins in his mind, and as he prepares his mind for the task ahead, he also puts together more songs and prepares dub plates. Despite this preparation, he contends that it is his spontaneity that makes him stand out. He adds that despite his wealth of research and preparation, he remains a man of the moment who is able to entertain the crowd while expertly driving the nails into his competitor's coffin.

This son of west Kingston is quite aware of the antics of his next opponent, Black Blunt. However, he has put together a package that will supersede this. He warns fans to be prepared for a battle like no other as he will be pulling out all the stops, and although experienced, he has carefully taken some sound advice in his preparation routine.

Maestro promises a clash that will be filled with high quality and skilful musical selection and most of all, surprises, surprises and even more surprises.

To Black Blunt, Maestro warns: "Look over your shoulder."

Black Blunt: "Everyting dead!"

When it comes to sound clashes, Black Blunt takes no prisoners. Having won the last duel with popular sound system Coppershot, Black Blunt reveals that they have barely scratched the surface.

Frontman of the sound, Avatar, is an unforgettable character who has spontaneous stage antics that often leave many to wonder if he is from the popular cartoon series of the same name. One case in point was when he jumped atop Coppershot's console during the clash and proceeded to give his own versions of some popular dance moves. The audience roared, with appreciation, fascination and shock as his slender figure eventually fell from the stage.

With his signature high-coloured Mohawk hairstyle, Avatar says his moniker represents people who go beyond the ordinary and are not held back by expectations. For Avatar, his battle begins even before the sound has been connected to the electrical outlet, as he has the ability to incite amazement by his mere presence.

Born Morton Gecomma Gammon, Avatar says he agreed to enter the competition to prove a point: Entertainers from rural Jamaica are just as good as or even better than those from urban areas. Deeming himself as having an inexplicable love affair with music, Avatar appreciates the love which he gets from his ever-growing fan base and wants fans to come to the show as empty vessels as he will be nourishing them with an unforgettable musical feast. At the same time, Avatar reveals that he has garnered even more popularity and support since the last clash and he has been humbled by the many words of encouragement he receives on a daily basis.

This time around, he promises a set full of surprises which includes a few that will shock both fans and the title sponsors of the show and that this time he will be bringing even more energy and excitement and warns that he will up the ante on his overall package.

With his popular cut-throat action, this comedic character says when it comes to clashing "everyting dead. God buss mi head if a lie".

Catch the exciting matchup with the musical Maestro and the comedic Avatar from Black Blunt this Saturday at 9:30 p.m., only on TVJ.