Sting, arguably the most influential live show in the history of dancehall music, takes place on Boxing Day, December 26, at Jamworld Sports Complex. Billed as the ‘10 Giants of Sting’, it features a mix of veteran and contemporary acts.
According to Isaiah Laing, who founded the event 40 years ago, Sting remains the gold standard for live shows in Jamaica. “Sting is the cutting-edge of dancehall and reggae. This show is the fastest for any artist to get to stardom,” he boasted.
The 10 giants are Bounty Killer, Capleton, Anthony B, Tanya Stephens, Spragga Benz, Fantan Mojah, Turbulence, Tommy Lee Sparta, Bugle and Macka Diamond. All have previously appeared at Sting. Fully Bad, one of the hottest acts in dancehall, is also on the card.
Sting 40 was launched November 28 at The Balcony, a popular nightclub in New Kingston, Jamaica’s leading business district. Numerous music industry figures and artists attended including Stephens and Fully Bad, veterans Major Mackerel, Lady G and General B.
Laing was Jamaica’s top crime-fighter when he started Sting in 1984 with Sugar Minott and Tenor Saw as headliners. Over the years, it has showcased the biggest names in dancehall/reggae including Ninjaman, Super Cat, Junior Reid, Bunny Wailer, Beenie Man, Papa San, Lieutenant Stitchie, Lady Saw, Merciless and Vybz Kartel.
Hip-hop acts including The Notorious BIG and Kriss Kross also performed on Sting, which earned its controversial reputation on verbal clashes between artists including Ninjaman, Super Cat, Merciless, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Lady Saw and Macka Diamond.
Sting returned in 2022 after a seven-year absence.
