Speculation is rife within the music industry that Magnum Sting, the show dubbed "The Greatest One Night Reggae Show On Earth", will return on its usual date (Boxing Day) even after the debacle which took place at last year's staging.
By Basil WaltersSources close to the promoters of Sting, Supreme Promotions told the Observer that the controversial stage show will go on regardless. "Magnum Sting is back, same date, same venue," the source who requested anonymity said.
Over 20 patrons, including a CVM cameraman who was hospitalised, and a pregnant woman who lost her baby, were reportedly nursing wounds after a missile-throwing incident brought a premature end to last year's Magnum Sting 20th staging at the Jamworld Entertainment Complex in Portmore, St Catherine.
For more than 10 minutes, terrified patrons ran wildly as pandemonium broke loose following a violent on stage clash between deejays Ninjaman and Vybz Kartel, which induced missiles being thrown on the set. Panic-stricken security guards with machine guns fired shots in the air to ward off the stampeding crowd.
The Observer further understands that a press conference is set for Tuesday, November 16, to outline plans for the 2004 renewal of the show.
"This year will see a return of the "10 giants" format like in 2002 which is being touted by some fans as the best Sting ever," the source said when pressed for further details.
Asked if it will be the same "10 giants" as in 2002 the source's reply was an emphatic "no" but he also refused from naming which artistes have been dropped from that list of 10 and which artistes have been added.
"Can't tell you that," the source close to Supreme Promotions said, "If I were to tell you then that would reveal who you are talking with. You'll just have to wait until the press conference," the source stated. The Observer tried unsuccessfully to get comments from Isaiah Laing, a director of Supreme Promotions.
The 10 giants on Sting two years ago were Capleton, Sizzla, Buju Banton, Elephant Man, Anthony B, Mr Lexxus, George Nooks, Ninjaman, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man.
Apart from last year's incident, Sting has had a rocky 20 years with unruly behaviour by patrons and artistes. In 2002, Ninjaman handed over a loaded gun on stage to then top cop, Reneto Adams.
