In a move to recreate some interest in reggae and dancehall in the Midwest, promoter Robbs Magic will stage the first Midwest Face-Off tonight.

The sound system clash takes place at G’s Jamaican Quisine in Kansas City, Missouri. Kansas City is the sixth largest city in the American Midwest.

‘The idea behind Midwest Face-Off is to provide a platform for young upcoming sounds, so that they showcase their talent and ability. The dancehall/reggae scene in the Midwest used to be popular in the 1990s, but then it boiled down and now we are trying to build it up again,” explained Robbs.

The event will see sounds Komando Force (from Arkansas), Magic International (from Africa/Kansas City), Dada Shock (Ohio), and Triful Toones International (from St Louis) battling for cash prizes, a trophy and bragging rights.

“This is the first time that we are doing this event and we plan to promote others. Much more to come,” said Robbs. “We are targeting the Caribbean and African communities. We also wanted to introduce the sound clash culture to the Midwest.”

Robbs, 35, is known in the entertainment circles as African.

“I am from Africa and I was raised in the Caribbean community who I call my extended family,” said Robbs.

Robbs has promoted shows with Christopher Martin, Beenie Man, Tanya Stephens, Gyptian, Mr Vegas, Sizzla and Shaggy, among others.