It was clear that the London nightlife and music scene was in dire need of an event like this, as the crowd was electric watching four stages battle it out to be the winner of the sound clash.
Hosted by Yinka Bokinni and Dotty, four stages yesterday (March 8) played the hottest tracks representing songs from their respective genres – UK rap, electronic, Caribbean and afrobeats – to see which could excite crowds most and be crowned the UK winner.
Red Bull made the fantastic decision to hold the clash this year in Drumsheds, a former IKEA in Tottenham which has the capacity of 15,000 people.Homegrown at Red Bull Culture clash in London (Image: Joe Brady / Red Bull) Last time Culture Clash was held in London was in 2016 and at the O2 arena which – while still a fantastic venue – did not have the same feeling as running around and exploring the massive rave space that Drumsheds can offer.
I came in having high hopes that dancehall artist Spice would be the most exciting – and the Spice Army stage did not disappoint, as she pulled out every trick she could to make the night unforgettable.
To clarify, while I am a big fan of all the genres played during the night, I had a gut feeling that Spice’s charisma, humour and competitiveness would outshine all the competition.
So, it was no surprise to see that the Jamaican artist was crowned winner of the clash after a crowd of 10,000 people sing, dance and laugh.
Spice Army won the Red Bull Culture Clash 2025 (Image: Greg Coleman / Red Bull) The Homegrown stage had radio host Jyoty playing electronic club culture tunes, Spice represented the Caribbean at the Spice Army stage, afrobeats was played for the first time in Culture Clash led by Lagos artist Teezee and BBC Radio 1 Rap Show host Kenny Allstar took the stage for UK rap legends.
To see Spice bring out major artists like Chip, D Double E and Shaggy – it was clear she knew how to get the crowd pumped and the cheers needed to win the night.
She even played a shocking pre-recorded video of legendary Jamaican artist Vybz Kartel, and as undeniably amazing as it would have been if she actually brought the so-called “king of dancehall” onto the stage, it was still thrilling to have his presence at one point of the night.
People from all over London flocked to Tottenham to experience the event and Red Bull clearly was able to put together a night that many people have been craving.
Each stage was able to grip crowds and it seemed everyone was really engaged with the battle, as we heard hefty cheers to even playful booing for some performances.
From the venue choice, range of artists and music on stage, playful “dissing” as part of the clash – Culture Clash made sure its return to London came with a bang.