Interview with Isiah Laing (Supreme Promotions), organizer of STING show

G.O.: What is the line-up of artistes for Sting this year?
I.L.: The line-up of artistes for Sting '99 - Capleton, Beenie Man, Baby Cham, Lexxus, Kip Rich, Zebra, Ward 21, Lady G, Tanto Metro and Devonte, Mr. Easy, Singing Melody, Worm Dem Crew, Wickerman and Barky and a gospel section with Papa San and others. There will also be Three and Four The Hard Way performances between the following groups: 1. Daddy Lizard, Flourgon and Red Dragon; 2. George Nooks, Sugar Minott, Tiny Tuff and Philipp Fraser; 3. Pinchers, Little John and Courtney Melody; 4. General Tree, Admiral Bailey, Peter Metro and Professor. Sting this year will be trying to bring back the love, with artistes of yester-year.
G.O.: What does it cost to put on Sting?
I.L.: Last year it costed us $J10.5M to put on this event and this year is going to be $J18M.
G.O.: Why the major difference in both years?
I.L.: The fee that the artistes charge has a major impact on what the final cost of putting on the show will be.
G.O.: What is the range of fees that artistes may ask?
I.L.: Between $50.000 - $600.000 and naturally we always negotiate the fees. The rate that we will pay artistes dictates the status of that artiste.
G.O.: When does the planning for Sting begin?
I.L.: The planning begins as soon as one is over.
G.O.: How is advertising for Sting done?
I.L.: We advertise out of two radio stations in New York and one out of London. We also send out press releases to international magazines and do billboards and flyers.
G.O.: When putting on the show each year, what is and has been your concern?
I.L.: Our main concern is getting the artistes, as some artistes will ask exorbitant fees, won't want to perform with another artiste (rivals) and may just choose not to perform at Sting that particular year.
G.O.: Outside of that, do you have other problems with the artistes?
I.L.: Not really, the artistes who perform at Sting act professional. Because they know that when they perform at Sting, it builds their repertoire and sometimes dictates how popular they are the following year.
G.O.: What artistes 'bust' as they would say, after performing at Sting?
I.L.: Artistes who became very popular after performing at Sting include - Buju Banton, Shabba Ranks, Zebra, Lady Saw, Lexxus and others.
G.O.: Looking back at all the performances at Sting, what two performances stand out in your mind?
I.L.: Ninjaman's performance in 1991 and Tiger in 1986. In fact Ninjaman will be honoured at Sting this year for being the most controversial artiste.
G.O.: Reggae shows have come and gone in Jamaica, do you think that Sting will be around for another ten years and why?
I.L.: The promoters of Sting are confident that the event will be around for another 100 years, as we are show lovers, we are really behind Sting and have a good rapport with the artistes, even after the event. That is a few reasons why the show has survived.
G.O.: You recently had a Sting/Japan tour, what was the response to that show like and are there any plans to do that tour again?
I.L.: It was a very good show and hopefully Japan will want us to do it again.
G.O.: Any plans in the making to tour other countries, possibly Europe?
I.L.: There are plans to have a London and U.S. tour in summer (maybe March). But those plans are yet to be finalised and we'll be informing you about those.
G.O.: Have you seen any indications where having the show for only one night has an effect on tourism?
I.L.: Definitely, it does, as Sting is the greatest one night show on earth and some persons from North America and other parts of the world come down to Jamaica just for this show.
G.O.: Do you get much support from the Jamaica Tourist Board and Corporate Jamaica?
I.L.: No, we get no support from the Jamaica Tourist Board and we do get some support from Corporate Jamaica, but not much, as there are complaints of having no money and in general, Corporate Jamaica does not support Dancehall events.
G.O.: Do you see the economic that Jamaica has been having, impacting greatly on the turnout this year?
I.L.: We have packages available to groups of 20 or more persons, they will get a discount of $100 off the presold price of the ticket. We think that the fee is very affordable, as we have over 50 acts, professionally put together with a very good sound system and monitors so that everyone will be able to see what is happening on the stage.
G.O.: What of security concerns?
I.L.: Plenty security will be there this year, we are currently meeting with the police, so security will not be an issue.

Nadine Reid, G.O. Crew, JA