Sting promoter Tahheer Laing said the show won't be fazed by Vybz Kartel's announcement of his upcoming 'Freedom Concert' to be held in December. "I believe Vybz Kartel deserves everything out of music. I don't have a problem with [him] keeping his show but as a businessman, I believe everyone should have their space.
For instance, [Reggae] Sumfest is in summer and nothing of the same nature don't keep in Sumfest week that is going to throw off Sumfest. Suh when it comes to December, everybody know seh a Sting time," the promoter told THE STAR . "Kartel can keep him show tomorrow [or] any day until the new year and people are going to come out every single day because Vybz Kartel is dancehall.
But sometimes I feel like a hard ball is being thrown at us, not directly, but subliminally because from stage show call and Kartel call, yuh know seh Sting name ago call," Laing added. He said that if Vybz Kartel show is held right now, he would support as a patron. "Kartel could keep his show in December, enuh, but the bigger picture is, it just depends on when.
If him keep it in like the first week of December, then that's fair enough because it will give a lot a people some time to build up back dem pocket and recover. Suh di spacing is important," he said. But former Sting boss, Laing's father Isaiah, said that while Vybz Kartel deserves this moment to shine, his decision on a date for his show and if he performs at Sting, will prove if he has "Sting's interest at heart".
"He has been away for so long, mek him come get him glory. But don't come pon my pathway in December. Him shouldn't choose December because when him duh dat now, is like him a look war," he said.
"The history weh mi and Kartel have, a mi duh di greatest things pon dis Earth ya fi him [such as] signing his very first contract." He said that he wished for Vybz Kartel to take things slow and make wise decisions as he readjusts to society. "Not even yuh enemy yuh nuh want inna [prison], suh mi glad seh him come out.
But him just affi know seh, outta road kinda different from 14 years ago and him affi just humble and learn di place, because right now him brain a move fast. Suh give himself little time and den really start make decisions," he advised. With Sting 2024 scheduled to be a three-night festival (December 26-28), Laing said he'd rather feature Vybz Kartel with a full night in concert rather than to postpone his event.
"I would love to give Vybz Kartel a one entire night for himself if there is space for it on their side. I would give him 70 per cent a di show and tek 30 [per cent]," Laing proposed. The young promoter, who started his professional training by working alongside his father, said he is open for a business meeting to propose his offer to the 'Worl' Boss'.
With just a few changes from its previous announcements, Laing still holds firm with his plans and will follow through with Sting hosting its first three-night's long festival. The plan is for three consecutive nights with the 'original' Sting stage show set for December 26 at JamWorld, followed by a street dance and sound clash on the 27th on the Kingston Waterfront, and a beach party on the 28th at Fort Rocky. "Sting over the years has been the greatest one night show.
Wi always come wid a bag a surprise suh yuh can't write off Sting any time at all. So we're gonna come with some explosive performances and with the [changes] to a three-night festival, there's a lot more to look forward to, suh everybody can come out for the change," he said..
