The Red Bull Culture Clash has made a triumphant return to London for the first time since 2016, with Spice Army taking the win.
Streaming live on Mixcloud from Drumsheds, Spice Army, led by Jamaican artist Spice, won out against Kenny Allstar’s Voice of the Streets, Jyoty’s Homegrown and Teezee’s Native Soundsystem in a memorable clash full of twists and turns.
After four rounds of tunes, exclusive dubplates and special guests, the 10000-strong crowd decided the winner among the soundsystems – representing Dancehall, UK Rap, electronic music and Afro sounds respectively – and overwhelmingly sided with Spice Army.
Spice, joined on her team by Jiggy D, Loyal Squad, Man 10, Noah Powa, Rampage and Richie Feelings, pulled out all of the stops for the trophy, designed by Jungle icon Goldie. The likes of Sister Nancy, Chip, D Double E and Skrapz joined the Army on stage, while soundbites by Giggs, Sting and Vybz Kartel sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Meanwhile Kenny Allstar’s Voice of the Streets, consisting of Ghetts, Big Narstie, DJ Andy P, MC Bushkin, Cristale and Snoochie Shy represented UK Rap to the fullest.
Putting on for a new sound in the clash was Native Soundsystem where Teezee, NSG, Spinall, Pa Salieu, Brazy and Michael Dapaah put on a show for Afrobeats, Amapiano and other genres from the African continent and diaspora.
Electronic music was served incredibly by Homegrown, featuring Jyoty, Flowdan, Lil Silva, Conducta and Stush. They played everything from UKG to Grime – via some comedic ‘Yellow Square’ posts courtesy of Elijah – to ensure the night will live long in the memory.
Surprise performances also came from a variety of multi-genre talent like Kele Le Roc, LeoStayTrill, A$AP Ferg, Sneakbo, Princess Nyah and ArrDee.
Head over to Red Bull’s official Mixcloud profile to listen back to the stream and each individual round and relive the action.