Was it because of the announced absence of clashes, which built the event's reputation? The combined absence of Kartel and Mavado? Bounty's no-show? Whatever the reason, the 2010 edition of Sting will not go down in the annals. In Jamaica, all the commentators agree that it was a weak edition.
The organisers had announced it: preferring to showcase unity, they had given up on the clash in order to dream up a powerful combination: Bounty Killer and Beenie Man, former rivals now reconciled. Except that... the Warlord ultimately did not appear (he reportedly did not receive his advance on his fee).
So Kiprich, Blak Ryno, Beenie Man and Assassin closed the event together, but without stirring the sparse crowd. By common consent, it was Sizzla who made the best impression, along with I-Octane, Richie Spice, Etana, Khago, Romain Virgo and Lady Saw, back on the bill after seven years away.
Kartel, who had organised a "counter-party" in Gaza opposite Sting, saw the police take over the venue in the small hours and call time on the festivities.