Sting 2012 Launch

By Steve James on Tuesday, December 11, 2012 - Photos by Steve James - Comment

Artists were revealed for Sting 2012 that will take place on December 26th.

At the launch of Sting 2012 dubbed The Truth, there were all indications that the organizers are determined that this year’s show will remind us why its slogan has always been ‘the greatest one night show on earth’. The launch held at the Wyndham Kingston Hotel on Wednesday, November 28th gave patrons a preview of what can be expected on December 26th (Boxing Day). On this its twenty-eighth anniversary; the event is being jointly presented by Supreme Promotions and new comers Down Sound Records.

Sting 2012

This year, the organisers are presenting the show as sectionalised tributes to the different eras of reggae and dancehall. No doubt the biggest attraction will be the section for the ‘Twelve Disciplines of Dancehall’ including the controversial Tommy Lee Sparta, one of the most popular acts of this year, Popcaan, veteran Ninja Man, Mavado, Sizzla and Busy Signal. The Reggae Best section will feature the likes of Daville, Romain Virgo and Gyptian. While the Three the Hard Way comprises perennial favourites John Holt, George Nooks and Errol Dunkley. Other sections such as the Fantastic Four, Face Off Clashes, Independent Ladies, including Gaza Slim and Stacious, and the New Generation section will feature a host of new artistes, rising stars, all time favourites and current hit makers. The backing bands will be Ruff Cutt and Warrior Love, while music will be provided by Flava Unit sound system.

Eagerly anticipated performances are expected from Ninja Man who has not graced the stage of Sting for a number of years and who is always a major drawing card, and Busy Signal who was recently released from a federal prison in the USA. That this will be his first performance in Jamaica in four years makes this even more hotly anticipated. The organisers indicated that they are well aware of how highly anticipated his appearance is by fittingly scheduling him to hit the stage at 12:50 am (in commemoration of the Jamaica 50th Celebrations).

Fans of Busy Signal wishing to see him in action before the year end, can only see him in at Sting, as his management team have indicated that it will be Busy’s only performance for the remainder of 2012.

The organisers have demonstrated that they are making the security of patrons a high priority when they outlined the details of their security arrangements. The arrangements include cordoning off the area with double stacks of empty shipping containers and establishing separate entrance gates for VIP, the press, artistes and general admissions. They have also advised that Security Officers will be dispersed into the general audience to control any disruption and confiscate projectiles. Additionally, the ticket office will have at least 20 windows to facilitate the smooth flow of patrons.

The usual spectacular line-up of artistes and the enhanced security arrangements are indications that Sting 2013 will indeed continue to be regarded as the ‘the greatest one night show on earth’.