With the Sting looming, the provocations between artists are starting to feed the gossip columns. The artists have been trading barbs for several weeks ahead of the event, and 45s and concerts alike are brimming with statements and provocations. It's no coincidence: the Sting remains the island's unmissable event, held the day after Christmas for 25 years now. The full line-up isn't known yet, but the first details filtering through already announce Mavado, Vybz Kartel, Bounty Killer and Merciless.
Because it pits two of the most prominent artists against each other, it is above all the expected confrontation between Mavado and Vybz Kartel that is making the most ink flow. The rivalry between the two has been fed by killer lyrics since 2003, but through them it is the two big crews of the island, Bounty Killer's Alliance and Kartel's Portmore Empire, that are defying each other. Today, each has his little phrase on the radio, on television or on stage, accusing the other of having a "plan" for the Sting. For his return, Merciless has already declared musical war on Cobra and Bounty Killer, whom he describes in passing as "Mavado's backing singer". Atmosphere…
Merciless against Ninja Man, Bounty Killer and Beenie Man in 2000, Vybz Kartel and Ninja Man in 2003): the Sting has made memorable clashes its trademark. But the trend in recent years has been towards calm. The festival was even awarded the title of "safest concert" in 2005 (news of 20/03/2006). The theme has been even more prominent since Guinness withdrew as the event's main sponsor last April, denouncing the "worrying and negative trend of glorification of violence" within the music scene (news of 07/04/2008). Last year, the artists also played the little game of provocation without causing any trouble on site.