from Jamaican Observer
http://tinyurl.com/5z2ot
Beenie Man, Capleton to headline Magnum Sting
By Karyl Walker Observer staff writer
Friday, December 03, 2004
Big dancehall acts Beenie Man and Capleton will be the main headliners for this year's Magnum Sting, Supreme Promotions, promoters of the popular Boxing Day show announced Tuesday night at a news conference.
But no Elephant Man, Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel or Sizzla
The Sting 2004 poster which was unveiled at the launch of Sting on Tuesday.
Noticeably absent from the line-up are other dancehall giants Bounty Killer, Vybz Kartel and Elephant Man. Instead, the promoters have placed their faith in upcoming acts I-Wayne, Turbulence, Bascom X, Kris Kelly, Mr Perfect, Ghandi and Fantan Mojah dubbed by them (promoters) as the Magnificent Seven.
Other high-profile dancehall names not appearing on the Sting line up this year include Sizzla Kolonji, Spragga Benz, Lady Saw, Macka Diamond and Wayne Marshall.
The effervescent Richie Spice and his Fifth Element family member, Chuck Fenda, Bushman, Anthony B, Assassin, perennial Sting fixture, Ninja Man and Queen Paula will also be performing on the December 26 show at the Jamworld Complex in Portmore St Catherine.
The promoters have also included a segment dubbed, 'Burn The Fire', which will see Lutan Fire, the upcoming chanter, match strides against the popular Jah Mason, Chezidek and Queen Ifrika.
Other young artistes set to appear at Sting this year are Black Lion and Genie Slick. Fae Ellington, veteran broadcaster and chairman of the Entertainment Advisory Board, in her address at the news conference, warned artistes and members of the media to remember their roles when they attend the show.
"Entertainers, when you speak you speak as a Jamaican," she said. "You must recognise that things are changing." Ellington also asked media practitioners to be aware of their role when reporting on events.
"Media, sometimes you do not know what your role is," Ellington said firmly. "I am asking the players in the media to recognise their roles. Don't write articles or make utterances to make a bad situation worse."
The Sting launch drew out many artistes, managers and players in the entertainment industry, and Supreme Promotions advisor, Howard McIntosh, warned prospective patrons that security would be tight at the staging of this year's event. There would be no bottle-throwing incident at Sting this year McIntosh said, repeating an announcement which proved untrue in previous years.
"There will be no bottles at Sting this year. Security will be much tighter and patrons will be searched at both gates," McIntosh said.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Arthur "Stitch" Martin has been handed the responsibility of commanding the detachment of police who will be on hand to maintain law and order. He will be assisted by Senior Superintendent Reneto Adams, Synergy Security and Border Patrol Security in securing the venue.
The promoters have also given the assurance that extra lighting will be installed and constant police patrols will take place in the parking area.
The Dyke Road, which leads to the venue, will also be patrolled by police officers on the night of the show.
According to a release issued by Supreme Promotions, plainclothes and uniformed police officers will be deployed inside the venue.
The release also stated that metal detectors would be placed at strategic entrance points with a view to confiscate illegal weapons and other offensive material such as aerosol canisters which are used by some members of the audience to light huge flares in salute of an artiste's performance.