Mel Cooke, Freelance Writer

Paul Elliot (right) shares a joke with Isaiah Laing (left) and Cabel Stephenson, managing director of Free People Entertainment, at the launch of Sting at the Jamaica Pegasus on Tuesday. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/Staff Photographer

When Guinness Sting 2007 begins at the Jamworld Entertainment Centre, Portmore, St. Catherine, at 7:00 p.m. on Boxing Day, the official emphasis of the annual concert will be on unity.

However, the chuckles that followed Supreme Promotions' Howard McIntosh's announcement of D'Angel and Barbee in the 'Beautiful Ladies of Dancehall' segment grew into hearty laughter.

And McIntosh told those gathered at the Country Kitchen, Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday night "Looks like I got your attention."

D'Angel and Barbee have had a 'Beenie' problem between them since D'Angel's estranged husband sported Barbee on his arm at Red Stripe Reggae Sumfest 2007 earlier this year.

And when McIntosh announced the section for 'Dancehall's Finest', including Chuck Fendah, Busy Signal, Vybz Kartel, Mavado and Ninja Man, he ended by saying "Yu gwine have a little thing with Beenie Man and Bounty Killer."

The other segments for Guinness Sting 2007 are 'Singer's Paradise', with Jah Cure, Tarrus Riley and Queen Ifrica, among others; 'The Pioneers', which will include Freddie McGreggor, Josey Wales and Burru Banton, and 'The Upcomers', Di Marko, Shane-O, Bennetto and Bugle being among the lot.

Joseph Oates, of title sponsors Guinness, said "When I think of Sting, one thing comes to mind - an exceptional night of reggae and dancehall music," while Simon Crosskill of Hitz 92 expressed the the RJR Communications Group's pleasure at being a part of the event.

To ensure the unity among those who attend Guinness Sting 2007, McIntosh saying that the intention is to pull in over 40,000 people, 1,200 security personnel will be on hand. In addition, no bottles, weapons or aerosol spray cans will be allowed inside Jamworld.

Leading up to Wednesday, December 26, a number of Sting road shows will be held across the island. The first is on November 16 at the Esso Tiger Mart, May Pen, it is on to Sip's Bar in Yallahs, St. Thomas, on November 30, with the official poster launch on December 7 at the Asylum Nightclub, Knutsford Boulevard, New Kingston.

Portmore gets the final two road shows, on December 14 at Ken's Wildflower and two days later at Prendy's On The Beach. The shows will not only give a sample of Guinness Sting 2007, but also serve as auditions from which persons will be selected to perform on the big Jamworld stage.

However, one person at the Pegasus on Tuesday night was not impressed with another talent contest. Deejay Ninja Man said "Dem a tell people no fi clash an' dem have dem pon TV a clash inna Rising Star. Sting, yu fi tek back yu position roun' ya. Rising Star nah bus who dem fi bus. A Sting put dem out ... Anthony Miller nah judge fair."

Supercat and Ninja Man clash

McIntosh followed with a disclaimer, that "Mr. Ballentine has made some comments that he is responsible for and those are not necessarily the comments of Guinness Sting."

In a recorded message, Minister of Information, Culture, Youth and Sports, Olivia Grange, wished Supreme Promotions all the best and said "I will never forget that night at Sting when Supercat and Ninja Man clashed."

Updates on the concert will be posted on the website www.stingjamaica.com.jm.

And, at the beginning, McIntosh said that, based on the research of music personnel, Sting "is the only international music event that has been staged for 24 consecutive years on the same date, rain or shine".

Barbee - File