Sting founder Isaiah Laing is somehow delving deep into his spirituality to come to terms with the headline-capturing, onstage fight that prematurely ended the 2023 iteration of Sting. A show that has built its reputation on clashes, Sting has, over the years, delivered some legendary lyrical clashes with artistes such as Ninjaman, Shabba Ranks, Super Cat, Merciless, Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel and Mavado, with no police intervention. This year, however, was different.

“I send artistes out there to have a lyrical battle on stage, not a fist-to-fist fight,” a dejected sounding Laing said.

Sting, which was built on ‘10 Giants’ this year, had also been marketing ‘Young Giants’ and a clash among the youngsters, but in an about-turn, Laing shared that owing to time constraints, he had decided to abort the planned clash. He explained that he had until 6 a.m. to end the show and asked the police for a half an hour extension, but he knew that “the police was in a no-nonsense mood, especially after what happened at Unruly Fest on Friday”.

Laing believes that if the running order had gone as planned, Sting would have ended on a high “because there was just no space for the clash”.

GIANTS LINE-UP

“We were running 25 minutes behind for the Giants. Tanya [Stephens] was supposed to work before Capleton, but the Fireman had asked to work at a certain time so we sent him on. After Tanya, it was supposed to be Spragga Benz, then Anthony B and then Bounty Killer, but Bounty didn’t wait his turn,” Laing lamented.

He added: “To be fair, Bounty had requested to perform at 5 a.m., but he should have waited. If the show had gone according to the order, there would have been no clash because there wouldn’t be any time for it. Bounty had a long set, and after him it would be Tommy Lee closing the show … and Tommy had called to say that he was on his way.”

Laing expressed profound regret that Spragga Benz and Anthony B, who were both backstage waiting their turn, didn’t get to work. Spragga Benz, Anthony B and Tommy Lee were three of 10 giants slated to perform.

“I was talking with a potential sponsor for 2024 when I saw Bounty arrive on stage, and I went around same time to try and stop it. I tell yuh … Spragga Benz was so hurt… mi feel it. I had a long talk with him. All now I don’t see the fight. I was sitting in a vehicle when I hear ‘Fight!’. But I think it was happening backstage. Imagine, me a pay homage to the young people dem and dem go fight pon stage,” Laing lamented.

Dejected but not defeated, Laing took time to big up all the artistes who gave great performances at Sting 2023. He mentioned Suspense, “who stole that part of the night”; Turbulance, the Giant, who surprised many – “but mi did tell oonu,” said Laing He also highlighted the English posse; young acts such as Nubian and Sexy Danger; as well as veterans including Major Mackerel, Peter Metro, Nitty Kutchie, General B, Jigsy King and Tony Curtis, who stood out.

Regarding the crowd size, Laing said that if it was bigger than last year’s event, it was “only marginal” and noted that despite the rain, the show still went on.

“It was raining heavy in Spanish Town … Sample Man seh on stage that it was raining in Duhaney Park when him was leaving home. People were calling to find out if the show was still keeping. So we still blessed. Satan at the end did haffi try and disrupt the good work of God. We did too well so he had to find his disciples,” Laing said, trying to put things in perspective.

And, no, Sting didn’t make any money this year, but Laing is not ready to throw in the towel. Instead, he is eyeing expansion.

“Sting is iconic to Jamaica … it is a part of our culture … and it needs to be fully sponsored. I am calling out Government and corporate to join hands and stand with the promoters of Sting to make this calendar event a really great and sustainable festival,” Laing declared.