Bring The Sting

Bring The Sting|Bring The Sting
Photo by Toni Dubois|

This year marks the 30th anniversary of “Bring the Sting” the biggest dancehall clash of all time. Sting (not to be confused with the artist from U2) recently announced that, Grammy award-winning artist, writer and producer Wyclef Jean has been added to the diverse lineup with the likes of reggae legend Super Cat (who hasn’t performed since 1992), American rapper 2Chainz, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, dancehall kingpin Mavado and many others. “Bring the Sting” will take place at Jamworld in Portmore, Jamaica. The event will be broadcast live on Pay Per View in North America and video-streamed live all around the world on Dec. 26.

Caribbean Life had the opportunity to sit down with Wyclef and discuss his invitation to perform at one of the greatest reggae & dancehall shows on earth, and what the Fugee frontman’s plans are for 2014.

The Haitian-American musician known mostly for his run with the Fugees, is quite familiar with Jamaican music. While with the Fugees he collaborated with Bounty Killer for their song, “Hip Hopera” in the late 90s. He also collaborated with Mavado on several occasions, including their hit, “Holding On” and more recently joining forces with the ‘Gully Gad and Cris Cab for the single, “Rihanna’s Gun.”

Not surprisingly, Wyclef is honored to perform at “Bring the Sting.”

“I definitely feel great about it, because Sting is not a festival that you can be … like: “Let me have my people call your people so I can perform.

“Sting chooses who they want to perform. It’s one of the roughest crowds in Jamaica. It’s very raw, real and energetic,” said Wyclef. He promises to add drama to an already dramatic line-up at “Bring the Sting.”

“It will be nothing less than awesome. Don’t be surprised if I do the unexpected. It will be the talk of the show,” said Wyclef.

He has plenty in store for us. He’s been in Europe developing what will be the new Wyclef sound for 2014. He’s been working with Avicii, along with different producers.

“Everyone who has loved the album ‘Carnival & The Score’ will love what I’ve been working on.”