Sting 2020 Is On! Event Set For Virtual Return On December 26
Most entertainment shows have gone virtual and so too will Sting this year. This was revealed by founder and promoter Isaiah Laing who commenced making plans this year’s show since March 2020.
The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted the movement of many persons and has propelled the entertainment industry to find creative ways to bring reprieve to the masses.
“Sting 2020 is on and it’s on in earnest. This year the demand for Sting will be bigger than ever because not only will we be pushing a lot into promotion over the next few months, but COVID will be around in December more than any other time so everybody will be home and craving the entertainment,” Laing told the Jamaica Star today.
Dubbed the “greatest show on earth”, there will be a charge associated with watching it, but Laing promised that it will be affordable.
This year, Sting will take place on Saturday, December 26 (Boxing Day) under the theme ‘Sting Wurl A Klash.’ Patrons can expect entertainment from all over the world.
“We will be having artistes from out of Ghana, Nigeria, Brazil, Japan, London, New York, some of the biggest names will be on the show and it won’t be the usual head-to-head format. We don’t do mediocre at Sting. We have been planning this for months and so the performances will be amazing.” Laing revealed.
He is confident that artistes such as Buju, Spice, Dexta Daps, Shenseea, Jada Kingdom, Masicka, The 6ixxs, as well as international artiste Burna Boy will come on board.
Laing is ensuring that there will be a perfect execution of this world-renown event and so he is looking to go into a contractual agreement with the more competent internet providers so that service will not be disrupted while the show is going on.
“This is not just a likkle virtual show, enuh, this is Sting, and no matter what other virtual show come before this or will come after this, this will be ‘the’ show.”
Sting is the longest-running stage show in Jamaica and focuses on Dancehall. Artists are usually involved in a lyrical battle and the crowd determines the winner. If the crowd is dissatisfied with an artists’ performance, they would normally express dissatisfaction by throwing bottles and of late cups on the stage. Legends have been made at Sting, and skyrocketing careers have combusted in mid-air, too.
Some of the most memorable clashes on Sting were:
- Shabba Ranks Vs Ninja 1990
- Beenie Man vs Bounty Killer 1993
- Vybz Kartel vs Ninja man 2003
- Vybz kartel vs Bounty Killer 2009
- Lady Saw versus Macka Diamond 2013
The last staging of Sting was December 2016.
Other popular shows that have had virtual staging this year were Reggae Sumfest, JCDC Festival song competition and the Verzuz battle between Beenie Man and Bounty Killer, which have all garnered great support.