In past years, a 'Warriors' category on a Sting concert would mean a clash was definitely in the making, but not at the 27th staging, which takes place at Jam World on December 26. This is even as Bounty Killer, Beenie Man and Vybz Kartel, which has proved a volatile mix in the past, are part of the crew of 13, which also include Etana, Khago and I-Octane.

This year's edition was launched at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel, New Kingston, on Tuesday night in the glitter and lights of pepped-up dancehall style, with eight 'healthy body' young women in black shorts outfits leading the dancing to the recorded music with Sting embracing a new main partner, telecommunications company LIME.

DiMario McDowell of Sting promoters Supreme Promotions described LIME's involvement as "a breath of fresh air", noting that since Guinness pulled out two years ago, Sting has not had a major sponsor. "It happened because we have similar values in terms of our numbers, our customer base," McDowell said.

The variety and sheer number of performers at Sting 27 is underscored by the categories into which they have been placed. The 13 'Bag Girls' include the 'Bad Gyal' Ce'Cile, Lisa Hyper, D'Angel, Ikaya, Face, Pamputae and Tifa. Twin of Twins, Food Kartel, Tanto Blacks and Apache and Sarge have been charged with providing a combination of laughter and insight as the 'Sting Commentators'. Sunshine, Bambino and Liquid are designated 'Sting Disc Jocks', with Nesbeth, Zamunda, Cush Hunta, Sean Storm, Popcaan and Charlie Blacks are among those in the 'Spotlight' segment.

'starlight' segment

In addition, there will be a 'Starlight' segment and a surprise performer is set to hit the stage at 11:45 p.m.

LIME sponsorship manager Stephen Miller emphasised that persons who do not make it to the Portmore, St Catherine, venue on Boxing Day will still be able to follow the action live via LIME Mobile TV. This means, he said, that "everybody who has a LIME TV phone will have the excitement of the greatest one-night reggae show on earth in the palm of their hand".

Portmore Mayor Keith Hinds said that "Sting is always good for Portmore, because it helps the local economy", that including the vendors. However, Hinds said "what I request of Sting and the artistes is that they keep the peace in the city. We are not about to tear up the place. Music is what gets people together".

"We support Sting as a company. We welcome back Sting each year because Portmore is the home of Sting," Hinds said.

There will be another launch on Friday, December 3, when the full line-up will be revealed on the Sting poster, which is always a highlight of the event.