Dear Editor,

Given the absence of Spice, the self-titled queen of the dancehall, from Sting 2022, all attention was given to social media sensations and so-called dancehall artistes Queen Ladi Gangsta and A’mari “DJ Mona Lisa”.

Since the announcement that these two melodramatic “queens” were going to be given a slot at Sting, it heightened both patrons’ and online supporters’ interest in what the show had to offer.

We know that neither of them is a top-notch artiste, though we cannot deny that they both possess some lyrical capacity. Ardent fans fall in love with their music, especially when the lyrics are sung to a catchy rhythm. They will forever remember A’mari’s Neko and Rise Dutty Bungle and Queenie’s One Man to Mi Goodie.

But was this the best way to stage the grand return of Sting?

On the one hand, it appeared to have been a good marketing strategy to get patrons to turn up physically or tune in virtually. A’mari, for sure, has used her many Instagram lives to promote the show and build up her fans’ interest for the clash. I believe the knock-off version of the British queen did the same thing.

On the other hand, the question begs to be asked: Is this where Sting has reached? The die-hard supporters of the so-called greatest one-night reggae and dancehall show on Earth must have been disappointed with the brawl that A’mari instigated on stage.

Though majority believe that Queenie took home the crown, A’mari is convinced that she remains undefeated. Her objective has been met: she has all the traditional and social media attention that she desires and boldly says that people will be talking about her for days to come.

People often believe that A’mari is pathetic, and she does give reasons to believe so, but she is also a strategist. Who, then, is the queen in the end?

Overall, Sting wasn’t a “wow” experience this year. Thankfully, though, the artistes didn’t have any microphone issues like the Burna Boy concert.

Some of the veterans of dancehall must be twisting in their cells when they learn of the mediocre meal that the patrons were served. We entertain low standards then we complain about our artistes not getting Grammy awards.

Let social media entertainment stay on social media. Feed the fans with good quality artistes and lyrics.

Oneil Madden

Oneil.madden@uca.fr