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Supreme Promotions, promoter
of Magnum Sting 2004, may not have smiled all the way to the bank from
gate receipts at the Boxing Day annual event, but tight security and an
almost incident free show took place.
In the highly anticipated Magnificent Seven segment, Rastafarian artiste
Turbulence stood tall. Turbulence demonstrated that with time he will
be a force to reckon with in the music business.
 Turbulence
easily won this segment of rising star performers with his no-nonsense
lyrics. He connected well with the crowd of mostly hardcore music lovers.
He lashed rastas who avoided proper hygiene and condom use. "Rastas
fi bathe," Turbulence declared during his lyrical onslaught at JamWorld
Entertainment Centre in Portmore two Sundays ago.
He further declared, "I am one rasta who use condom." Turbulence
supported condom usage because of sexually transmitted diseases, especially
HIV that leads to the deadly AIDS. Turbulence was the star of the Magnificent
Seven. Mr. Perfect sparked some lyrical fire with his popular "Handcart
Boy" song. Fantan Mojah, greeted by fireworks from fans, delivered
an energetic set and scored high with ghetto people's cry of "Hungry."
I-Wayne also delivered for his fans with chart topping hits "Living
In Love" and "Can't Satisfy Her." Chesideck, Bascom X,
Ghandi and Kris Kelly did short stints.
Devoid of the hardcore acts that have defined Sting over the past two
decades, the rastas certainly added their voices of cultural and conscious
lyrics to a tamed Sting in its 21st year.
 In
the established acts segment, Fifth Element Records represented quite
well, proving that their camp of cultural artistes intends to be a strong
force on the entertainment calendar for 2005. Fifth Element's Richie Spice
and Chuck Fenda served fans with a diet of cultural lyrics. In tandem,
the artistes took turns nicing up the place.
Rastafarian singer Richie Spice was in awesome energetic form, as he had
fans eating from the palm of his hand. He was indeed one of the highlights
of Sting 2004 as he rocked the venue with "Earth A Run Red,"
"Grooving My Girl" and the rising "Ghetto Girl." While
stable mate Fenda came good with his own energy, delivering "I Swear,"
"Better Days," plus others.
Elephant Man made a grand entrance on a crane from the left side of the
stage. The Q45-managed act, accompanied by heavy fireworks from around
the venue, immediately launched into his songs.
He kicked off on a high, especially with the popular "Chaka Chaka"
song and dance. Elephant Man, who is highly credited with bringing back
life into the dancehall with lively songs, stormed into "Higher Level,"
among other songs. He kept his set tight and delivered well.
Anthony B's performance was derailed because of his lyrical attack on
the government and senior superintendent of police Reneto Adams. A few
missiles were thrown on stage when the 'fire' chanting artiste didn't
return to the stage. However, quick action prevented a repeat of last
year's violent eruption. Capleton followed and delivered well with his
slew of hit tunes.
Although the rains came, Beenie Man again showed that he is one of the
best performers in Jamaica. The Shocking Vibes artiste fed the fans with
a variety of lyrics enhanced by his strong stage presence.
Before that, there were also good performances from the duo of Sugar Roy
& Conrad Crystal, Queen Ifrika, Queen Paula, Beetle Bailey, Kip Rich,
Mikey Pelpa, Ninja Man, Bush Man and Little Hero.
Although Magnum Sting 2004 wasn't jam-packed as in years before, the promoters'
stance of better security and cultural vibes was maintained. That can
only be the beginning of a good thing.
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