Sting 2015 launched!
Published:Wednesday | December 2, 2015 | 12:00 AMCurtis Campbell
The greatest one-night reggae/dancehall show on earth was officially launched on Tuesday evening at Triple Century Sports Bar in New Kingston.
Sting directors Junior 'Heavy D' Fraser and Isaiah Laing were on spot, catering to fans. Cultural analysts Dr Donna Hope, Dr Sonjah Stanley Niaah, Dr Dennis Howard and Clyde McKenzie were out to show their support.
Among persons who spoke at the event were Laing and Dr Howard. A seemingly contented Laing told the audience that producing the show for more than 30 years was a roller coaster ride. However, he was determined to host the event, even without major sponsorship.
In addition to taking patrons on a journey through the glory days of Sting and its highs and lows, Laing also highlighted Sting's economic benefits.
"It's not my show, it's the people's show. We employ a minimum of 1,000 persons for Sting, each year, and we have been responsible for the persons in that area for years, seeing as we host the biggest event in Jam World, annually," Laing told the audience.
Dr Howard, no stranger to dancehall events, having promoted his own, told patrons Sting helped to revolutionise how events are produced locally due to the quality of entertainment the show has delivered over the years.
"When hip hop was not yet popular in Jamaica, Sting was the first show to bring rappers to Jamaica," the acclaimed author told patrons.
VETERAN PERFORMERS
Sting 2015 will feature performances from the likes of Super Beagle, Terror Fabulous, Vershon, Burro Banton, Tanto Blacks, Silver Cat and others.
According to Dr Donna Hope, says this year's line up is a 'good look' for the music industry. "This year, Sting went back into time and brought a very impressive line-up, and I am very impressed with it. We will get a chance to see the veterans whom have made dancehall what it is, and what they will be showcasing will be a treasure, because this is definitely the best of dancehall. I believe dancehall is going into its last days, and so going back to look where dancehall is coming from, while we look forward, is a very important thing right now," she told The Gleaner.