In a slight break from tradition, the top-billed artistes for Sting 2004 will not be veteran entertainers, but instead young artistes who have distinguished themselves over the course of the past year.
By Basil WaltersTipped to be the seven are newcomers I-Wayne, Fanton Mojah, Perfect, Bascom X, Gandi, Kris Kelli and Turbulance, but not until tonight's official Sting launch will Howard McIntosh of Supreme Promotions confirm the final seven.
That doesn't mean that the usual headliners will be displaced. Sting fans can rest assured that all the major dancehall acts will be onstage, and the Observer understands that with the exception of two, all the heavy-hitters have been signed to perform.
Up to press time, the itinerant two were said to be Capleton and Bounty Killer. Well-placed sources say their reluctance to sign was related in part to a newspaper article published in the Sunday Observer which highlighted the promoters' intention to censor certain kinds of performances. The promoter's comments came in the wake of an international campaign against leading dancehall deejays by gay-rights groups, led by the British-based outfit Outrage.
Since June this year, a number of overseas shows and tours have been cancelled as a result of the international gay community targeting artistes such as Sizzla, Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Buju Banton.
But after initially coming out strong against violent anti-gay lyrics, the promoters of Sting used a press conference for the signing of the sponsorship agreement to clarify their position on the matter at. Artistes would be bound, as stipulated in the contract, to refrain from inciting violence against any group - gays or otherwise. Artistes, the promoters said, would be free to express their views on homosexuality as long as they do not incite violence.
"Supreme Promotions/Sting has no intention of stifling creativity or restricting the freedom of expression that artistes may have," Howard McIntosh of Supreme Promotions said during a media briefing, adding, "We are going to ensure that (the artistes) follow the law and we have included it in their contracts."
The no-violence rule, they say, is also related to security worries. Last year's Sting ended prematurely after angry patrons rained bottles and other missiles onto the stage at Jamworld Entertainment Centre in response to an on-stage punching match between Ninjaman and Vybz Kartel, and to the no-show of headliner Bounty Killer.
That melee prompted concerns that the show, billed as the 'Greatest One-Night Reggae Show On Earth' would not be held again, given concerns of patrons and entertainers for their safety. Supreme Promotions has promised that there will be no repeat of last year's fiasco, and have retained the services of the police and two security firms to assist with the management of the show's security and crowd control.
While the dancehall/homosexuality/ violent lyrics debate rages, the seven upcoming acts, none of whom thus far have become publicly embroiled in the fuss, are sure to be reveling in the opportunity presented to them.
"I'm happy for them, and I feel good to know sey that is me kick-start dem career," beamed the manager of two of the artistes expected to be announced as the 'Magnificent Seven'.
