Entertainment minister regrets Sting 2024 postponement, talks ongoing

Entertainment Minister Olivia “Babsy” Grange has expressed regret over the postponement of Sting 2024, Jamaica's iconic Boxing Day reggae and dancehall concert.

The minister said she remains in dialogue with the event’s organisers regarding a new date for the show’s staging.

For more than four decades, Sting has been a cornerstone of Jamaica’s entertainment calendar, drawing fans from around the globe.

This year’s postponement comes amid reports of payment disputes between the event organisers and the production company contracted for stage and sound services.

In a statement issued on Friday, Minister Grange noted that the Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment, and Sport had worked closely with Sting's promoters to resolve the challenges. This included high-level meetings to provide guidance on logistics and brand promotion.

The ministry also supported the event by providing a venue and assistance for the Sting launch, along with facilitating its hosting at Jamworld Entertainment Centre in Portmore, St Catherine.

“I have also publicly endorsed the show in furtherance of our commitment to the industry,” Grange stated. “In addition, my ministry had earmarked sponsorship support to defray some of the event’s expenses.”

Isaiah Laing, Sting’s lead organiser, expressed his disappointment in a release, describing the ripple effects the postponement would have on Jamaica's economy and music industry.

“Hundreds of vendors and concessionaires have invested their money and wanted to recoup during the show. Dozens of artistes have rehearsed and are waiting for their chance to shine, and thousands of patrons will be disappointed,” Laing said. “But this is beyond my control.”

Clearsound Production Services Group was contracted to provide stage and sound for Sting 2024. According to Laing, a deposit of $1 million was initially paid to Clearsound, and an additional $6.5 million was transferred via bank deposit earlier this week. However, public holidays delayed the transfer, leading to a breach of payment policies and the production company’s withdrawal.

This year’s Sting, branded as “Sting Live,” had more than 30 artistes slated to perform, including reggae and dancehall stars Tommy Lee, Gyptian, Laden, and Quada. Social media personalities like TikToker Pops YG were also expected to make appearances, with Rosalee and Blinga hosting Sting’s TikTok live sessions.