Entertainment galore from female acts at Sting

Minutes after six on Tuesday morning, just when all pens were ready to write how wonderful and incident-free Sting 2022 was and give a glowing report of the top-class production, impeccable sound, tight security, and interesting performances, A-grade nonsense unfolded backstage.

And what made it almost laughable was that the incident was the biggest non-incident possibly in the history of Sting. As promised by Sting promoter Heavy D, there was no real fighting on stage; no bottles were flung; no shots were fired; and absolutely no one was hurt. But persons backstage were frantically running around, and the security forces were behind them, in some instances with guns drawn.

Heavy D said the drama occurred shortly after he left the stage, but did not go into details. Perhaps at that point, he himself wasn't even clear.

What was apparent was that there were more artistes than time permitted, and an effort was made to bring the remaining acts on stage. But with many of those artistes saddled with what looked like entire districts of people, on stage and backstage, were miserable. Drop in the mix alleged entourages and performers such as Pablo YG and Malie Don, who were billed for the show, and things got tricky.

A premature ending left a bitterish taste, but it was not enough to obliterate the goodness, especially from the female artistes.

Carrying the flag high for the women was Sita, the lyrical diva from St Vincent who literally came, saw and conquered. Hers was a well-crafted set with stinging lyrics, some of which were aimed at Amari and "tun ova", the thrill-seeking Sting crowd.

"I created history as the first female dancehall artiste from the Caribbean to be booked for Sting, so I had to give it my all," Sita told The Gleaner, adding that she was relieved.

"I had to prove even to my own people that a Vincentian dancehall artiste can go on Sting and do well," she added.

Also turning in an excellent performance was Etana, who has not graced a stage in Jamaica for too long. Fashionably bold and lyrically correct, Etana ran through her catalogue of hit tunes, and even invited Fantan Mojah on her set.

A seasoned artiste, Sting is Pamputtae's playground, and her fans certainly enjoyed the ride. The jury is still out on Jada Kingdom. Undoubtedly, her performance was highly anticipated, and she dressed the part well, but her lyrical delivery was off. And speaking of dress, a lot should be said about Moyann's bodysuit, which went to hairy lengths to simulate nudity. By contrast, Vanessa Bling took centre stage fully clothed in a pants suit and still entertained.

Turning up the excitement level a few notches was the big-ticket clash between A'mari DJ Mona Lisa and Queen Ladi Gangsta. There's just nothing to compare. A wig and a headpiece were the first casualties of the clash, and A'mari was the second. Their stint on stage showed 'Queenie' in control, dancing and deejaying to a receptive crowd. A'mari was in a fighting mood, and her cuss-out mixed with her Dutty Bungle refrain was not what fans wanted to hear.

The crowd voted Queenie the winner.

"I am overwhelmed and very happy. From before I touched the stage, I knew that I wanted peace and love and to just enjoy myself, and I did, " Queenie said.

Unfortunately, owing to the abrupt end of Sting 2022, Dovey Magnum, who was getting ready to lock down centre stage when the foolishness unfolded, was deprived of her longed-for Sting debut.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com