Preparations for Sting 2009 are in full gear, but its promoter, Isaiah Laing, is reluctant to say what he has in store for the show, until it is launched next week.

"We are well on our way. We are getting artistes together. We have a nice line-up for the fans. They will be getting what they expected," Laing told THE STAR, of the show which will be held at Jamworld Entertainment Centre, Portmore, on December 26.

"I don't want to say a lot of things before the launch on the 24th of this month."

He, however, said a clash this year will be dependent on the type of climate leading up to the event.

nice and decent

"It depends on the climate but something is going to happen, something nice and decent. Something I am sure they will enjoy," he said.

There have been many clashes at the show in its more than 25-year history. Some of the memorable clashes were Papa San vs Tonto Irie in 1985, Ninja Man vs Shabba Ranks in 1990, Ninja Man vs Supercat in 1991, Bounty Killer vs Beenie Man in 1993, Merciless vs Ninja Man, Bounty and Beenie Man in 2000, and Vybz Kartel vs Ninja Man in 2003.

However, it was last year's clash between Mavado and Vybz Kartel that remained on people's lips for a very long time. It was also following this clash that the Gully-Gaza rivalry seemed to intensify to the point where violence got involved. It is even now being highlighted heavily in the media, and even by politicians.

no gaza, gully clash

But this year, Laing promises that there will not be a clash between Vybz Kartel's Gaza and Mavado's Gully.

"This year, it's not going to be Gully-Gaza. That's not the theme this year. Last year it was Mavado and Vybz Kartel. We are not doing that this year. People are gonna be wondering what we are coming with we always create and set trends. Tell the people to look out for what we are coming with," Laing said.

He explained that the conflict between the two factions should not be highlighted as much as it has been in recent times.

"The level of publicity will only help the thing. The more they talk about it, the more prevalent it will get in the society," Laing told THE STAR.