Dexter Blake CEO Linkage Awards and Linkage Radio—

Fearful that Jamaica could lose Sting, a staple on the dancehall calendar, a United States-based radio announcer has called for artists to perform for free at this year’s show.

The announcer, DJ Linkage, who puts on the annual Linkage Awards in the US, made the call on Tuesday. He said that Sting is without major financial support from sponsors and that if artists perform for free it would be a major way of giving back to a show that has made a significant contribution to their careers.

I’m calling out all artists to come and show appreciation to Sting on December 26, 2016, by waiving their fees to this show,” DJ Linkage said.Image result for Shabba Ranks jamaica gleaner

IN PHOTO: SHABBA RANKS

“I’m asking all promoters, producers, and artists such as Super Cat, Shabba Ranks, Ninja Man, Beenie Man, Bounty Killa, Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Lady G, Lady Saw, D’Angel, Spice, Kip Rich, I-Octane, Black Rhyno, Luciano, Richie Spice, Spanner Banner,  Gully Bop … Let us all come together and give back to Sting,” Linkage added.Image result for bEENIE mAN jamaica gleaner

IN PHOTO: BEENIE MAN

Organizers of Sting recently announced that come next month they will be honoring several artists who have helped to make the event one of the greatest stage shows in the Caribbean.

This year’s Sting is the final show being held in the format that Jamaicans have come to know as, come next year, the annual event will be known as One World Sting and will be held annually in other countries with the aim of spreading the brand and fusing reggae and dancehall with all genres of global music.

Meanwhile, reacting to the suggestion made by DJ Linkage for artists to perform at this year’s event for free, Sting organizers said it is something they would welcome.Image result for Sting jamaica gleaner

IN PHOTO: This 2011 photo shows a section of the large crowd at Sting on Boxing Day 

“It would be a major give back to the patrons, upcoming acts who need the platform, as well as to continue waving the dancehall flag high. Sting is the type of show that all artists use on their resume. It is important to validate that you are an actual artist and useful for visa applications to travel across the world,” Keona Williams, Sting’s public relations manager, told THE STAR ONLINE.

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