Sting poster unveiled. - Roxroy McLean

There were no major surprises when host MC Nuffy unveiled the much-anticipated 2009 Sting poster, which was launched last Friday night at The Building (formerly Asylum Night Club), in New Kingston.

Questions, as to whether veteran deejay Bounty Killer and former protégé Vybz Kartel, would clash or not, highlighted the concerns of patrons, who had to wait almost an hour after the scheduled 10:30 pm start, for the answers to be revealed.

no-show

The unveiling of the poster also confirmed that Beenie Man will be a no-show at the event, set for December 6 at Jamworld, in Portmore, St Catherine. The deejay, in a recent television interview, made it clear he wouldn't attend the 26-year old event, should Bounty Killer and Vybz Kartel engage in a lyrical battle.

And if things couldn't get any stranger, dancehall character L.A. Lewis, who was indeed a surprise draw for the highly rated dancehall event, made his disgust clear while blasting promoter Isaiah Laing for placing his image at the bottom of the poster.

"How unnuh fi have di seven star general wid Mr G deh suh?" Mr G and L.A. Lewis have agreed to a lyrical battle at Sting, after the latter decided to drop future court dates if Mr G agrees to a face-off.

Dancehall act KipRich has also been confirmed to perform but will not take part in a potential clash with General B. There are 22 female artistes billed for Sting this year.

Also a sound system clash is expected between veteran selectors Sky Juice and Tony Matterhorn. This should be a mouth-watering feat as both parties have contributed significantly to the appeal of the music industry.

The night ended with performances from the 'Gully Squad' members Flexxx, Kibaki and Savage. Cherine Anderson made a cameo performance and General B made a mockery of lyrics directed at the 'Gully/Gaza' saga.

Tyrical, Fyah Slice and Influential rounded off the night's other performances.