Teflon says to expect ‘mature’ version of himself at Sting
Artiste looks forward to ‘blazing fire’; believes Sting line-up promotes positive musical balance
Published:Thursday | November 28, 2024 | 12:08 AMNatasha Williams/Gleaner Writer
In a passionate plea for a revived “positivity and balance” within the music space, reggae artiste Teflon Young King expressed that the Sting line-up – a blend of foundation musicians and younger acts – is a step in the right direction. Known for his positive music and ‘heart-of-love’ expressions, Teflon praised Sting’s commitment to staying true to the foundation members of the music industry, saying that this vision is essential for keeping the message in music “clean and positive”.
“Raw music a sing from long time but I think this generation has brought it to a different dimension. But yuh can’t blame the youths for being youths … But Sting is one addi platform weh create and build nuff a these younger artistes and these [musical] giants but it can break yuh to. Suh with the [artiste] line-up, Sting need it but the music need it more because Sting can only play that part in creating a positive balance but we affi come together as a nation and know when fi seh ‘yes’ and when fi seh ‘no,’” Teflon Young King told The Gleaner , following his performance at the 2024 Sting Live launch which was held at the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport on Tuesday.
“Everybody’s singing the same thing and the fans are accepting it without even realising suh I think a balance is needed because Jamaicans need to know when to say ‘yes’ and when to say ‘no’; is not everything we should adapt,” Teflon advised sternly. “Right now di music industry in a fluctuation stage ... yuh nuh know if it a guh up or if it a guh dung, this minute yuh feel it ago work or change to a positive energy or [create] balance and it goes right back to square one.”
The launch saw several artistes like Yaksta, Natty Sean, Jigsy King, Inpha Reblitive, Nerro, Kuanna, paying special tributes and making cameo performances.
Sting 2024 has categorically organised its entertainment package with a section titled the ‘Unsung Heroes’ and ‘Foundation’ artistes which pays homage to the veterans in music who organisers believe are not given enough credit for their work in entertainment. From this section, patrons will be entertained by artistes like Major Mackerel, Echo Minott, Queen Paula, General B, Wesrock and LA. Lewis.
Not ruling out the younger generation, the organisers have also crafted a category titled ‘Star Bound’ featuring acts such as Skippa, Jamal Dunceman, Stassi August, Ace Gawd and Quada who’ll be joined by some of dancehall/reggae superstars, namely, Tommy Lee Sparta, Gyptian, Macka Diamond and Turbulence.
As Teflon looks forward to “blazing a fire” at the event on Boxing Day, he says fans should expect a “mature Teflon”.
“Ninety per cent of the fans knew me from I was a teenager, just leave high school and wi doing music because wi thought we knew how it’s supposed to be done. But now, as a more mature person, you’re doing things in a way how it’s supposed to, [having learnt] the right protocols. Suh [I’ll be] bringing the energy, the message [and] the balance because the music really need a balance, Di music industry need youths like me fi a sing positive music because the fans dem a get lead a stray without even knowing and that’s the detrimental part of it,” he added.
The event, which also received a huge support from the entertainment minister, Olivia ‘Babsy’ Grange, saw permanent secretary Dean-Roy Bernard, who represented the minister, expressing how integral the ministry is in the organisation of Sting.
“We as a ministry join with the launch of Sting 41 … after meeting with Tahheer and [director of marketing and sponsorship for Sting] Davida Dwyer, I believe they sold a good product for this year; and the room that you’re in [was offered] because wi support Sting and we give you Jamworld as well. We [also] provide support financially, to ensure a successful and great event,” Bernard revealed.
He added, “Sting means a lot to us, it’s a part of the landscape of Jamaica … Sting is a part of our culture and we want to celebrate and party with you this year as we celebrate Sting 2024 … and we’re in it for the long haul ... Entertainment is very important to us, this is what puts Jamaica on the map,” said Bernard, who was also accompanied by the ministry’s principal director for entertainment, Gillian McDaniel, and cultural director, Joanne Archibald.
As Teflon prepares for his upcoming performance, he implored fans to support his recently released album, titled Life Scriptures, produced by him, along with Yard Love Records and Todds Records. He shared that this album speaks to “current life situations that the Bible may not speak about, “My music [on this album] is about teaching you about how to live, how to survive and how to treat people”. He also promised fans that for the year 2025, he’ll be producing a lot more inspirational music with more visuals and “spreading love”.
Sting Live is set for December 26 at Jamworld, St Catherine, and will culminate with a festive beach party titled ‘Hawwt Chocolate’ on December 28 at Sugarman Beach, Hellshire, Portmore.