Black Kat sound system's top man Pink Panther, the 'five-star general', has announced that he will take a two-year sabbatical from 'sound clash' in order to focus more on family and his newly-formed 5-star Camp Production record label.

The dynamic veteran revealed to THE WEEKEND STAR via telephone that his decision came after a successful 22 years in the business, in which he has won multiple World Clash competitions while he built a reputation of being a fierce and creative selector.

He also made note that the sound, Black Kat, will continue to compete at various sound-clash events with upcoming talents such as Fire Agent, DJ Steve and DJ Skinny, ready to make their mark.

"I am just taking a break right now. I have been doing this for 22 years and I have never taken a break, while others have. I just want to spend some time with my family and penetrate on my label 5-star Camp Production," Pink Panther said.

With just under two months before another World Clash, supporters of the very popular sound system might be tempted to feel uncertain of their team's ability to defend their crown. However, Pink Panther has assured fans that the other members have enough quality to repeat such success, come April 7, 2012, at Pier One, in Montego Bay, St James.

"I know Black Kat fans won't take this easy, because they would want to come and see me all the time. But, there is more than enough quality within the camp, and I am sure that the other members are ready to show just that," he said.

hasn't lost motivation

Pink Panther also added that he hasn't lost any motivation. He just reckons the importance of family time and the attention it requires to build a successful record label. "I am the present champion, so it has nothing to do with me losing any enthusiasm. When you are involved in sound clashes, you are always up and done, and that will interfere greatly with my new projects," he added.

Some of those new projects include nurturing the young talents signed to his label and the recently released Silent Hill rhythm, which features the likes of Capleton, KipRich, Jah Mason and Little Hero.

Pink Panther also claimed to be in studios working on another rhythm titled Motion, which he hopes to attract the interest of Aidonia, Konshens and Popcaan.

Pink Panther has now joined the long list of selectors who have entered into the production aspect of the industry. Despite this, the quick-thinking Panther believes he has all the credentials to outdo his competition. "I have the distinct advantage, being a selector, of knowing what type of beats the public wants," he said.

The selector, now part-time producer, said the public must listen out for good and consistent music from artistes signed to his label.

He said talents such as Fyah Mouth, Tattoo, Singing Sunshine, Red Lawd, and Speng Shell, Trinidadian-based Supreme, Galla Wasp, Tender Baby and Ingineer Zig Zag are all young talents to watch.

5-star Camp Production, according to Pink Panther, will focus mainly on exposing young talents. "I am one of the few producers who penetrate only on new talents. I haven't signed and will not sign nobody established," he said.

Pink Panther said he will continue to accept bookings, but only as a performer. He is scheduled to appear on upcoming shows such as Fully Loaded, Appleton Temptation Island (ATI) and Blazie Blazie, in Manchester.