Sting 2014

By Steve James on Thursday, January 1, 2015 - Photos by Steve James - Comment

Magnum Sting 2014 in Jamaica with Tarrus Riley, Kabaka Pyramid, Iba Mahr, Capleton, Gully Bop, Demarco, Blak Ryno, Kiprich, Tommy Lee and many more.

The much anticipated Magnum Sting 2014 was held at the Jamworld Entertainment Complex in Portmore, St. Catherine as is the norm on December 26^th. Billed as the greatest one night show, the event attracted its usual dancehall following, while featuring the best of the reggae fraternity. It boasted close to one hundred acts performing on the show. During the reggae section patrons were treated to performances by Tarrus Riley, who unleashed standard crowd favourites including Lion Paw, Battlefield, Good Girl Gone Bad and She's Royal. A continuous stream of conscious music flowed from the likes of Kabaka Pyramid, Iba Mahr, Loyal Flames and Droop Lion, but it was Capleton who unleashed his fire on the negativity predominant in society who got the crowd the most excited. The dancehall segment also brought out most of the major acts. There was lyrical warfare between several of the female performers as each one graced the stage. During the dancehall segment there was also a tribute to Mr. Wacky himself, the late dancer Bogle. This brought on surprise acts Voice Mail & Elephant Man. During the course of the night, several top artistes graced the stage, among those who big guns that performed were Demarco, Blak Ryno, Kiprich and Tommy Lee.

In the wee hours of the morning the newly acclaimed Gully Bop hit the stage and gave a solid fifteen minute account of himself. Anticipated by many, yet still unfamiliar to some, his lyrical mastery led to him being called back for an encore performance. His attempts at giving the fans a ‘clash’ performance was unsuccessful as no one answered his challenge.

With what appeared to be squirmishes taking place backstage and a fight in the crowd, Blak Ryno & Kiprich’s performance would be the last of the night, bringing an abrupt end to the show as the police took the decision to pull the plug as they determined that things were about to get out of control.