Sting cancelled again - Promoter says focus is on Jamaica right now

Sting's chairman and its former promoter Isaiah Laing said he supports the decision of current promoter, his son Tahheer, to cancel this year's staging.

"We are one team and if he decides it's risky, then we all have to agree that it's risky for this year," Laing told THE STAR. In a recent interview, Tahheer said his decision came amid the current state of the country following the devastation by Hurricane Melissa. But he added that part of the decision was based on wanting to make a "bigger and better comeback this year".

"The fact that we didn't host the event last year, we had to come exclusive, different and great, and if we can't come great, I'd rather leave it alone," said Tahheer.

"We put up a lot a money last year and we lost a lot a money. And this time, we're trying to look out for ourselves; we can't make the same mistake twice. We cannot go out there without the right product as we'd like. Additionally, everybody's mind has shifted from partying in that period of the hurricane as well. So we just said, let's focus on Jamaica and rest this for now," he added.

Laing said despite the show's scheduled location, it would've been inconsiderate to host an event at this time.

"Not because Kingston is away from where the devastation is, the entire country is impacted. Everybody in Kingston is now assisting people in the hurricane-affected areas, so it's impacting everyone right now. Whether you have family or not, in those communities, from a humanitarian ground, we would have to step in for them," he said. Laing cited that the only reason he was interested in doing the show was to assist hurricane victims.

"I wanted to just give my all to them down there but we weren't getting the kind of cooperation that we want, so I said let's find a different way to assist," he said.

"After Hurricane Melissa, we started getting emails from sponsors saying that they won't be able to come on this year's staging because of reallocation of funds to rebuilding and hurricane relief efforts," Tahheer chimed in.

However, he said plans are now "under consideration" to host a Sting-powered Hurricane Relief Party with all proceeds going directly towards recovery plans. Just two days after the hurricane made landfall, the team at Supreme Promotions - Sting's organisers - in partnership with other corporate entities, made multiple visits to the affected western parishes. Several care packages, building materials, appliances and clothing were issued to affected residents.

There is a buzz in the dancehall space stemming from the lyrical rivalry between Tommy Lee Sparta and Masicka, which some felt would have given Sting a boost. But Laing said the clash would not happen.

"I asked my son to try but when I reflected on the country, the atmosphere is not for clashing right now. This is a time for love, peace and unity. I personally wouldn't be organising a clash, but because it came and it's what made Sting popular, the people would want to see it. So in that case, I wouldn't refuse it if I was doing the show and they were willing. But they're not willing - they want to do their Internet thing," said Laing.

However, Laing expressed confidence that Sting will return stronger and better for 2026.

"I can assure you that there will be an international staging of Sting next year as well as a local Sting. But Sting is alive and well, and no, I don't think this second cancellation is detrimental to Sting or its brand, because we know what we are coming with next year. I'm definitely looking forward to a better 2026," he said.