The highly anticipated Sting 2012 went down on Boxing Day in Jamaica. Unfortunately, the event was more than just a battle of wits between deejays, for some, it was literally a battle!
Portmore Empire’s prodigal son, Popcaan was on stage performing when Black Ryhno decided to interrupt and a de so di sintin start (non-Caribbeans please call your Caribbean friends for the translation!) Black Ryhno got pushed off of the stage by Popcaan after which he jumped back on the stage and started swinging!! Sad, very sad.
This is not what Sting should be about nor is this a good representation of where dancehall’s best and brightest young stars are headed. Let’s hope these long-time rivals can somehow simma down for the New Year!
Anyhoo, I digress. By all accounts, the star of Sting 2012 was Sizzla Kalongi, Sizzla performed some of hits such as Dry Cry, Be Strong, Slew Dem Wid Karate, Good Ways and Thank You Mama. Other memorable performances included Konshens and, of course, the highly anticipated return of Busy Signal. Of course, Mr. ‘Hothead’ performed Nah Go Jail Again!
Kiprich, Ninja Man, Tony Matterhorn & Merciless
Some of the most fun of the night was when Kiprich, Ninja Man Tony Matterhorn and Merciless battled in a boxing ring with a referee no less! Mostly, this was not a clash of wits, it was more a clash of name calling until Tony Matterhorn and Mericless left the ring. Ninja Man and Kiprich remained to battle it out mano a mano– sheer entertainment and foolishness (starts at 24:00!) Ninja Man remains the king of the clash but Kiprich is definitely the Prince and heir apparent! Warning: VERY EXPLICIT!
All-in-all it appears even though Sting 2012 may have been a disappointment for some, and despite absentee dancehall superstars such as Mavado, Bounty Killer and Beenie, there was still some measure of enjoyment had by many!
