Sting turns 40
For all its infamy, Sting has outlived many live shows in Jamaica.
On December 26, the event billed as The Greatest One Night Show On Earth celebrates its 40th anniversary at Jamworld Sports Complex in Portmore, St Catherine.
The official launch event is scheduled for late this month with Isaiah Laing, the rugged ex-cop who started it in 1984 at Cinema II in New Kingston.
Despite the controversy that has dog the show since inception, Laing told the Jamaica Observer that Sting has achieved its main objective.
“It was never a Laing show; it was a show for young people, especially from Arnett Gardens and Jones Town. It’s always been a show to help young people and no one can say Sting hasn’t done that,” he said.
Laing disclosed that his Boxing Day staple was conceived while he was stationed at Admiral Town Police Station in the West Kingston Police Division. During talks with area leaders he decided to stage a show that would expose young talent from the ghetto.
That policy continues for the 40th anniversary show, though Laing refused to reveal the acts he has booked so far.
“All I can say is, there will be 25 big names. They have all been confirmed,” he said.
Sting returned in 2022 after a seven-year break. Held at Plantation Cove in St Ann, it attracted a strong crowd with top artistes. It ended prematurely when raucous fans protested not getting to see marquee acts Jahshii, Valiant and Skeng perform.
The 64-year-old Laing has never shied from the controversies that have marred his show over the years, but prefers to look at its positives. Top of that list is being a platform for artistes who went on to outstanding careers such as Beenie Man, Bounty Killer, and Merciless, who all participated in the verbal clashes that helped make Sting a calendar event.
“This is the thing about Sting…. Yuh have to bring you’re A-game, because it can make yuh or break yuh,” he declared.
Laing spent 20 years in the Jamaica Constabulary Force, building a reputation as an uncompromising crime fighter in the mould of Keith “Trinity” Gardener and Cornwall “Bigga” Ford.
Prior to Sting, he moonlighted as a show promoter, staging events at Cinema II and Spanish Town Prison Oval.
In December 2016 he staged the Sting Awards which honoured artistes, sponsors, and producers who contributed to the show.
