Photo: Koffee

New York, New York -- April 2019 (Irish and Chin) - Reggae music lovers, selectors, sound systems and sound clash enthusiasts have spoken and after months of voting, Irish and Chin's 2019 Annual World Clash Dubplate Award (WCDA) winners are in!

Amidst growing anticipation, Garfield "Chin" Bourne of Irish and Chin announced winners during his popular Sound Chat Radio program last week for the virtual award show, which celebrates artists for their yearly dubplate (customized recordings for DJs often used in sound clashes) contributions to sound system culture during the period of January 2018 - December 2018.

Featuring eight categories, the award show saw newcomer, Reggae sensation Koffee, claim her first dubplate award for Female Dubplate Artist of the Year! The rising star, gaining the attention of the media and masses with her contemporary Reggae Dancehall single "Toast" and EP "Rapture," also captured the attention of sound boys far and wide, who helped initially expose the song to wide audiences.

The effervescent UK artist Stylo G also nabbed his first WCDA win, walking away with the esteemed International Dubplate Artist of the Year award. Consistently delivering Dancehall music gems, Stylo G maintains a hardcore dubplate presence in sound system culture, while pushing his infectious blend of Dancehall music worldwide.

Much to his credit, the seminal deejay Busy Signal wowed voters and scored Dubplate Single of the Year for his hit song "Stay So" -- which permeated the sound arena. And without question, the legendary DJ Bounty Killer, who remains a dominant force in sound system culture, picked up the Best 90's Dubplate Artist of the Year win for a consecutive year. While the fiery Dancehall phenom Aidonia also scored a consecutive win for the heavyweight Dubplate Artist of the Year.

See Full List of Awards Below:

▪Male Dubplate Vocalist of the Year - Romain Virgo

▪Dubplate Artist of the Year - Aidonia

▪International Dubplate Artist of the Year - Stylo G

▪Female Dubplate Artist of the Year - Koffee

▪Dubplate Single of the Year - Busy Signal - Stay So

▪Veteran Dubplate Deejay of the Year - Josey Wales

▪Veteran Dubplate Vocalist of the Year - Beres Hammond

▪Best 90s Dubplate Artist of the Year - Bounty Killer

Founded by Garfield "Chin" Bourne, WCDA is priming for transition from virtual program to a live award ceremony. Part of WCDA's allure is its full support from artists who often take to social media to showcase their victories!

“Dubplate culture is a key part of Jamaica's indigenous sound system culture. I strive to continue to bridge the gap between artists and sounds, while preserving this highly important sector of our musical heritage," says Bourne. "I am happy to see newcomers win big at this year's WCDA. It proves that dubplate culture is just as important and relevant to newer stars as it is to legendary artists."

WCDA celebrates year long dubplate activity, while highlighting the historical legacy between artists and sound systems/selectors. Namely, the virtual awards unite the artists who made the recordings with the selectors and sound systems who helped popularize them. Ultimately, sounds have an opportunity to salute their favorite artists who in turn feel valued for their product.