Banks DIH Limited has launched the Guinness Smooth Pull Up DJ Skillset Competition, in which seven DJs will compete for cash prizes and DJ equipment.

The competition will be staged across seven zones, starting on Friday at Froggie Guinness Bar on the West Coast of Berbice before the national final on December 5.

Guinness Brand Executive Jeoff Clement said the initiative is intended to encourage younger DJs to develop their craft and pursue opportunities in the industry.

"Just to give some of the junior DJs or younger DJs confidence that even though they might come to this competition to participate, there's opportunities for you to grow in the area. There's opportunities for you to show your craft and who knows, you might be a top DJ for Guyana," Clement said.

Unlike traditional DJ clashes, contestants will be judged on track selection, use of technology, crowd interaction and response. Competition Coordinator Richard Francois, known as DJ BigZ, said they can also show creativity through mash-ups and freestyle performances that require smooth transitions between genres.

"If you bring in your mash-ups and you make whatever it is, that's part of your unique performance … technical skill, creativity and confidence," Francois said.
Any DJ who plays dirty or indecent music will be eliminated immediately. All songs must be clean, edited versions, and the rule also applies to hype men and MCs.

Each DJ will receive a $30,000 stipend. The first-place winner will also receive a Pioneer DJ turntable valued at more than $300,000 and a trophy, while second- and third-place winners will receive cash prizes and trophies.

Other listed venues are Banks DIH Berbice Branch in New Amsterdam, Nicola Guinness House on the East Bank of Essequibo, Golden Taste Guinness House in Linden, Futus Guinness Bar on the East Coast of Demerara and White Castle Fish Shop.

Brand Supervisor Joel Ward said members of the public can win Bluetooth headphones, Guinness Smooth caps and jerseys at the zone events by buying Guinness Smooth products.

Participants must be at least 18 years old, and the company is encouraging responsible drinking.