Laing not surprised by ‘Gully/Gaza’ Sumfest - Says other shows following Sting’s blueprint

Fans of Vybz Kartel and Mavado are eagerly awaiting the 'Gully versus Gaza' musical event set for July 18, as part of this year's Reggae Sumfest show.

The musical rivalry defined a generation in the early 2000s, with dancehall fans choosing sides and pledging allegiance to either the 'Worl' Boss' or the 'Gully Gad'. Much is expected when they grace the same stage, and fans are already anticipating plenty of excitement. Their previous lyrical battle took place in 2008 at the iconic Sting, the clash organised by the show's founder Isaiah Laing.

Sharing his thoughts on the imminent Reggae Sumfest performance, Laing told THE WEEKEND STAR that it was a winning formula that he crafted and is not surprised that others have copied it to make a financial windfall.

"Everything that runs out of show business in Jamaica eats and drinks off of Sting and Sting's ideas. Every show. What they are now doing is not anything new. From the '90s, it has been our ideas that everybody uses, so let them live," he said.

Laing opined that Sting has had many setbacks because it was started by him, a man who was not supposed to make it, based on his humble background and ethnicity.

"It comes down to bad mind, trust me. They try to bury Sting. There is a force out there that wants to see Sting die, so everything that Sting comes out with, somebody has something to say or do about it. Boxing Day is Sting date and that is also one of the things everybody is envious of - that date," he said. He recalled noted cultural figure Professor Barry Chevannes, once told him "'Mr Laing, some people of my colour want this date from you, but don't give it up'."

What started in 1984 as a fledgling live show, evolved into an iconic arena where careers are forged and musical gladiators clash. Therefore, every artiste worth their salt knew they had to perform there in order to be taken seriously.

"Everybody got a chance to touch the stage and make an impact, and you know that by 2 a.m., the big artistes start coming out, and then the stars take you into sunrise, and everybody goes home satisfied. The whole concept was we packed in what [Reggae] Sunsplash was doing over days into one night, and so it was a little of this and a little of that and everybody gets their monies worth," he said.

Laing added that he was very young when he conceived the show, and, since then, has put a lot into making it an entertainment calendar staple during the Christmas holiday season. Laing, a former cop, said that his no-nonsense persona spurred Sting to do well. Laing said he ignored the obstacles that could have led to the show's end.

"I said no, it is a national event. That is how I look at it, but it doesn't seem like the people of this country that is supposed to honour that show gave it any 'props'. Sting has never gotten any award from anybody except for Rockers Awards, where we have won Show of the Year several times. But Isaiah Laing and Sting nuh get nothing from nobody," he said.

Laing opined that persons don't understand what Sting has done for this country, including financially.

"Who knows how many children it feed because parents come sell their wares at JamWorld? You know how much barber shops, hairdressing salons and dressmaking shops benefit because when Sting a gwan, everything sells off? People just couldn't accept that a little country boy from Brown Hall in St Catherine was responsible for this," he said.

Laing said that despite the many challenges that exist, there will be a Sting this year, on its beloved Boxing Day, at longtime home JamWorld.

"And the big drawing card to get our fans out, will be a major international act that everybody will want to see. That is what we are working on. So, Sting nah dead."