Peaceful performers make impact at Sting

Sting 2008 was billed as the 'settlement of all argument', the clash between Vybz Kartel and Mavado being the highlight of the 25th staging of 'The Greatest One Night Show on Earth' at Jamworld in Portmore, St Catherine, on Boxing Day.

Heading into wartime, though, early Saturday morning, there were some performers who came in peace and took a piece of the night before a huge, clash-hungry crowd.

Etana's opening Roots hit home close to 3 a.m., although the audience was relatively calm for the rest of her showing, which was short as most of the performances tended to be. Queen Ifrica, regal in green, got a warm reception and was on target with rhythm and tone as she deejayed "you never see King Selassie I a hype yet". The audience cheered as she informed "a nuh everybody a rub", but her performance was interrupted by a stampede at the rear of the audience. She spoke to the crowd, reminding "everybody expec' big war an oonu a get fidgety", before resuming the music with Daddy.

By the time she closed, advising if you "feel like a bad man keep it to yusself" the focus of a cheering audience was again on stage.

I-Octane's warfare was directed at the vampire, which he stabbed with a musical peg before musing "dem tink dem see nuh blood a run yet". He had a surprise guest in Spragga Benz, who intoned Rasta Run the World and had a Backs..t word for the ladies as well.

Kip rich talks tough

And after the lyrical battles had begun, Kip Rich scoring heavily as he blasted the 'Monster Flop' crew, Assassin began with the prayer "Almighty, protect me" from off-stage. He showed his lyrical ability and willingness to stand in front of a potentially unfavourable crowd and deliver, moving the audience with Sissy and mocking the men who practise ... Surveillance.

"Since we all know what this gathering is for, let us not fool ourselves," Assassin said, deejaying "we are not afraid" to close on a high.

"Wha due to Caesar, give it to Caesar. De bredda can perform!" MC Nuffy said.

Frenzied crowd
Beenie Man had the audience in the palm of his hand at 6 a.m., his smile huge as he whipped the crowd into a frenzy with absolutely no mention of arguments and settlements
. He ran Jamworld Red Red, Red, went back to Dude, had some Memories and declared that he was Bulletproof.

He had three younger guest performers, including two really small children who were accompanied by their fathers, before closing with Heart Attack before an adoring crowd.

He did say, though, that "Gaza me ting deh", indicating his support for Vybz Kartel. "Nuh me come pon Sting an sey Gaza a go be the baddest ting in the nex' five years," he said.