Dancehall Fans Say Vybz Kartel’s December ‘Freedom Concert’ Will Derail Sting

Supreme Promotions’ Isiah and Tahheer Laing’s assertions that Sting will be unaffected by Vybz Kartel’s upcoming December concert has been widely mocked by Dancehall fans

Many claim both men are fretting that the Teacha’s event could overshadow, and financially derail their annual Boxing Day show.

In an interview with the Star, Sting founder Isaiah Laing asserted that while Vybz Kartel deserves his moment in the spotlight, his choice of date for his event and, if he makes an appearance at their show, will determine whether or not he genuinely has their interests in mind.

“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,” Laing stated, adding that “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.”

Vybz Kartel, who first performed on Sting in 2003, has clearly indicated that he will collaborate with Downsound Entertainment’s Joe Bogdanovich and Skatta Burrell to stage his event.

Yesterday, Kartel shared a video, calling on his fans to suggest names for his upcoming freedom concert. He said Skatta had asked him for a title, but he decided to delegate the task to his fans.

“Gaza nation yuh know seh mi deh yah a while ago a drive wid mi fiance, weh pretty like Beyonce and Skatta call mi an a seh ‘Teacha, mi want a name fi di show’. An mi a seh eeeh, yuh know seh mi a guh get di fans dem involve for dah problem yah a guh easier for solve? Suh mi a guh link up right now – Gaza nation mi a tell oonu seh me, Skatta and Joe, wi need a name for di December show. Suh jus put oonu idea inna di comments below,” he instructed in the clip which was also shared by Skatta.

However, in his interview, Laing said that while he was happy for Kartel’s release, he wished the Any Weather artist would slow down and make wise decisions as he readjusted from prison life.

“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 had stated.

In reactireacting to Laing’s comments on Instagram, many Dancehall fans jeeredop, stating that if Kartel held his show the same week as Sting, it would be all over for Supreme Promotions as fans would opt to attend the Gaza event.

“Laing delusional yf cause nuh body naa guh sting if kartel show a keep.. him alone ago be the crowd, dj, host peanut man everything,” one woman said.

“Laing you better give Kartel sting this year & Mek him cut you 20% profit,” one man advised, while another mocked: “Him betta mind kartel keep it pon Boxing Day and show him summn”. 😂

Vybz Kartel’s first major appearance on Sting was in 2003, when his clash with Ninja Man erupted into an onstage fight, which Laing later labelled “the lowest point in the history of Sting.”

Laing had said in a 2020 interview with The Star that the unexpected and embarrassing bust-up between the two men, had made him hesitant to arrange clashes for about five years.

The ex-policeman had also explained that the only planned clash that year was between Ninjaman and Bounty Killer. Initially, Bounty agreed but later backed out, sending his protégé Vybz Kartel to face Ninjaman instead.

Kartel’s other major appearance on Sting was in 2008, when a major feud between himself and Mavado culminated in a highly anticipated clash at the event at the Jamworld Entertainment Centre in Portmore. That Gully vs Gaza showdown left many undecided on who the vanquished and victor were.

Sting 2024 is scheduled to be a three-night festival from December 26 to 28. The stage show will be held on December 26 at JamWorld, a street dance and sound clash will take place on the 27th on the Kingston Waterfront, and a beach party will take place on the 28th at Fort Rocky.

According to Tahheer Laing, he would prefer to provide Kartel with a full night in concert, as opposed to postponing the 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],” he said.