The anticipation is palpable as dancehall artiste D'Angel gears up for a monumental return to the Sting stage on Boxing Day at Jamworld in Portmore, St Catherine, after an impressive hiatus of a decade. The iconic Sting festival, recognized as the longest-running stage show in Jamaica and touted as the greatest one-night reggae and dancehall extravaganza on earth, will play host to an array of legendary performers, with D'Angel poised to reclaim her spot in the spotlight.
The Line-Up:
The stellar line-up for this year's Sting promises an unforgettable night, featuring some of the biggest names in dancehall and reggae. Joining D'Angel on stage will be luminaries such as Bounty Killer, Tanya Stephens, Anthony B, Spragga Benz, Turbulence, Macka Diamond, Capleton, Fantan Mojah, Bugle, Tommy Lee Sparta, Pablo YG, Malie Donn, and I Waata. The diverse mix of artists ensures a musical journey encompassing dancehall, reggae, and, as D'Angel promises, the unapologetically hardcore 'War Angel' side of her persona.
D'Angel's Excitement and Preparation:
In an interview leading up to the event, D'Angel expressed her excitement about returning to the Sting stage, emphasizing her eagerness to showcase the various facets of her artistry. She stated, "Patrons can expect a bit of everything; dancehall, reggae, and 'War Angel' — the hardcore side of me… yuh have all kinds of different angels enuh. Mi a one of God war angels." The artist is pulling out all the stops to deliver a memorable set that resonates with the audience.
The Importance of Style:
Not only does D'Angel plan to captivate the crowd with her musical prowess, but she also stressed the significance of making a visual impact. Recognizing the importance of stage presence, she revealed her intention to adorn herself in an eye-catching ensemble, adding an extra layer of excitement to her performance.
No Lyrical Wars, Just Reunion Joy:
While the dancehall scene has seen its fair share of lyrical clashes, D'Angel remains focused on the joy of reuniting with Sting after a decade. Despite K-Queens suggesting a lyrical showdown on Boxing Day, D'Angel made it clear that she harbors no intentions of engaging in a lyrical war on stage. Instead, she is relishing the opportunity to celebrate the music and the fans that have supported her throughout her career.
Sting: A Pillar of Dancehall History:
Sting, founded in 1984 by police crime fighter Isaiah Laing, has been a cornerstone of Jamaican dancehall history. The festival has traversed various venues, from Cinema II in New Kingston to the National Stadium in St Andrew, and currently the Jamworld Entertainment Complex in St Catherine. Over its 30-year legacy, Sting has hosted international heavyweights like Biggie Smalls, Kris Kross, Busta Rhymes, and DMX, solidifying its status as a crucial platform for dancehall artists seeking recognition and fame through lyrical clashes.
D'Angel's return to Sting marks a significant moment not only in her career but also in the illustrious history of the festival. As she takes the stage on Boxing Day, the audience can expect a dazzling display of talent, energy, and a celebration of dancehall's vibrant spirit. With a stellar line-up and a decade-long absence coming to an end, Sting 2023 promises to be a night that reverberates through the annals of dancehall history.
