In the unforgiving world of sound clash, reputations are built one dubplate at a time and destroyed just as quickly.
Dancehall fans have been marking the rise of the Notorious international sound system as it has quickly dispatched a series of high-profile rivals and become one of the dominant forces in Jamaica’s modern sound system scene in recent years.
After a string of headline-grabbing victories, the sound is setting its sights on North America, hoping to transform regional acclaim into international recognition.
Notorious International sound system, first established in 2010, got its major breakthrough during a memorable performance at the All-Star Boom Clash a few years ago.
Since then, the victories have continued to pile up.
In 2024, the sound marked its emergence with one of the most dominant performances at Reggae Sumfest Global Clash, defeating an international lineup that included Bodyguard Sound, Code Red featuring Chris Diamond, Warrior Sound from Germany and Dynamic from Africa.
A year later, the sound claimed an even bigger milestone when its selectors defeated clash heavyweight Tony Matterhorn at Reggae Sumfest Global Clash 2025, a victory that solidified his place among the elite selectors in the business. After Matterhorn played a dub from rapper 50 Cent, he exited the stage confidently for Notorious Shabba to respond.
And respond he did.
“I came back and played an artiste called 49 Cents and that was it, the place shell right down to the ground,” Rohan ‘Notorious Shabba’ Henry, founder of the Notorious International sound, recalled with a laugh.
What separates Notorious Shabba aka Little Shabba from many of his peers is his ability to blend entertainment with education. He is as much a student of dancehall history as he is a competitor, often weaving cultural references and historical context into performances that captivate both longtime fans and younger audiences.
“Then I move on to Jamaica sounds of festival that’s where I kill everything but I went there mainly for Ricky Trooper and he did get it,” he said confidently.
“After me play some wicked songs and beat up Trooper, mi have the crowd inna the palm of my hand. It was so bad that when Trooper came on the stage and start talking the people dem started to boo him…right now everyone is saying I’m waving the flag for Jamaica.”
That combination of showmanship and substance has made him one of the most compelling personalities in contemporary clash culture.
Now, with momentum firmly on his side, Notorious Shabba is preparing for the next phase of his journey.
North America is calling.
As sound clash culture continues to attract new audiences across the United States and Canada, the time is right to export the Notorious International brand of high-energy entertainment to a larger stage. The sound has evolved into a major economic force, employing a talented cadre of sound engineers, emcees, DJs, selectors and dancers. while energizing stages across the island and the Caribbean.
For fans, it is the next chapter in a remarkable rise.
For rivals, it is a warning.
The selector who once refused to leave the microphone has evolved into one of dancehall’s most dangerous competitors — and Notorious Shabba and his talented selector core appear to be just getting started in making Notorious International sound a force to reckon with for a long time.
