Left: The Jamaican Michael Jackson thrilled. Right: Dancer Mystic makes time for the cameras.

Although off to a late start, Sting, "the greatest one-night reggae show on Earth", was officially launched on Tuesday night at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston.

The event was scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. but started almost 9 p.m. While the guests waited, they found ways to entertain themselves in the extremely hot area. Some people watched the dancers in the centre, who were moving to some of the latest songs being played by Coppershot Disco. Others made use of the complimentary liquor and chatted.

Eventually, host Ragashanti took the stage and announced the start of the event. He invited L.A. Lewis to speak, signalling the beginning of the 'mix-up and blenda' between the 'graffiti artiste' and Mr G. After that, there was a lengthy dance routine from the Jamaican Michael Jackson, who got some screams from the women in the audience.

confirmed acts

Afterwards, Sting's PR, Carla Hollingsworth, announced that there are already 120 confirmed acts for the event, which will take place on December 26. On the line-up, she said there are several sections; 'Star Light', 'Rising Vixens', 'A New Day Dawning', 'Hot Steppers', 'Cool Rulers', 'Face-off' with L.A. Lewis and Mr G and 'Chart Toppers' that will feature artistes like Vybz Kartel, Mavado, Merciless, Flippa Mafia, Assassin and Bounty Killer.

Hollingsworth noted that the full line-up will be announced at the Sting poster launch on December 4 at The Building (formerly The Asylum).

Sting's promoter, Isaiah Laing, also said 22 women have been confirmed to perform on the show, a record number for the event. Some of the female performers include Tifa, Pamputae, D'Angel and Lisa Hype, whose name generated some laughter.

In addition, Dimario McDowell made presentations to two charities: Mary's Child and Glenhope Nursery.

The once-popular deejay Tiger also made his presence felt, while Mystic danced up a storm doing moves like Bogle, Nuh Behaviour and Jerk. There were also performances from Blaze, Iyara and Zamunda, the latter getting a big forward for his song Jah Love Surround Me.

In closing, Laing promised a good show in December.

"Definitely, Sting is going to be much more than this. In 1984 when I started Sting, I was 26 years old. The show is held on December 26 and this year is the 26th staging," Laing said to those in attendance.

"That 26 is playing around in everybody's mind, so I believe something great is going to happen on that 26."

Mr G (left) responds to earlier statements made by L.A. Lewis. Ragashanti tries to keep order.

Twin of Twins were also in attendance. - Colin Hamilton photos

D'Angel (left) and Sting boss Isaiah Laing in conversation.