Laing ignores Bounty, Ninja Man ...says they don't have to collect Sting awards

says they don't have to collect Sting awards

Sting promoter Isaiah Laing seems completely unbothered by Bounty Killer and Ninja Man's refusal to attend the event later this year to receive the awards the organisers were planning to honour them with.

"I don't have a problem with them not coming," Laing told THE STAR. "If they want to send somebody to collect for them, then that's fine. I'm just doing what I have to do."

HONOURING SEVERAL ARTISTES

Last week, the organisers announced that this year's Sting is being designed in honour of several artistes who they believe have contributed to the reputation of the show.

Under categories like Top Performer, Sting Icons, and Sting Champions, Isaiah Laing and the Supreme Promotions team will award those entertainers they believe are essential to the establishment of the concert's brand.

Some of the persons to be awarded are Papa San, Lieutenant Stitchie, Buju Banton, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel and Shabba Ranks, as well as Minister Marion Hall (formerly Lady Saw). However, deejays Bounty Killer and Ninja Man were adamant that they will not attend the show to accept the awards.

Bounty Killer has dismissed the award as a publicity stunt, while assuring that he has no personal issues with the organiser.

"If they wanna do this as a publicity stunt to say they honouring me, I will send someone to go and collect it. But I ain't even going 'cause I know these people and they don't respect foundation. They are all about the hype," he said.

Similarly, Ninja Man has declined to attend the event. Instead, he said the award is an accolade that one of his children can collect on his behalf.

This year will be the last staging of the known format of the show, as, starting next year, the event will be called One World Sting. It is intended that it will be held annually in various countries with the aim of spreading the brand and fusing dancehall and reggae music with other world music genres.