In a significant turn of events, Clearsound Production Services Group has officially withdrawn its involvement from the highly anticipated Sting 2024 festival. This decision, attributed to contractual disagreements, reportedly led Supreme Promotions to cancel the Boxing Day event mere hours before its scheduled commencement.
Responding to public statements by Supreme Promotions’ CEO, Isaiah Laing, Clearsound released a statement on Thursday addressing the allegations. The company emphasized, “We find it necessary to counter these claims, which we believe may be inherently defamatory, despite our usual commitment to maintaining Professional Standards that discourage such public rebuttals.”
The crux of Clearsound’s decision lies in what it describes as a breach of contract by Supreme Promotions. Specifically, Clearsound alleges that Supreme Promotions failed to fulfill a critical down payment of J$8 million required to secure their services. The agreement outlined that Clearsound would provide comprehensive production support, including audio-visual systems, lighting, power solutions, roofing, and pyrotechnics for Sting 2024, with the initial payment due by December 22, 2024.
“While we were assured of full payment, only J$1 million was received from Mr. Laing in three separate transactions on December 22nd and 23rd. The outstanding J$7 million, promised by December 24, was never transferred to our designated account,” Clearsound stated. Additionally, the company mentioned receiving a photo of a supposed RTGS transfer of J$6.5 million, which they confirmed was never completed. It’s important to note that the initial J$8 million was only a portion of the total fees, with further payments scheduled for the Sound Check on December 26, 2024.
Despite the incomplete payment, Clearsound chose to proceed with the event preparations as a gesture of goodwill, citing their longstanding relationship with Supreme Promotions. However, this move was contrary to their standard operating procedures. “Our attempts to resolve the payment issues through documented discussions over several days were unsuccessful, leaving us with no viable option but to halt our services,” the company explained.
Compounding the financial issues were logistical challenges on-site. Clearsound highlighted the absence of essential vendors, including security teams, fencing, lighting, and vending services, which posed significant risks to their operations. By midday on December 26, 2024, Clearsound was the only service provider present at the venue, operating under what they described as chaotic conditions with inadequate security measures.
The production company further criticized Supreme Promotions for abandoning the venue without ensuring proper security, forcing Clearsound to secure their equipment at their own expense. “Our commitment to Sting 2024 remained steadfast despite these hurdles, but the unresolved financial and safety concerns compelled us to issue a formal cease and desist order to protect our team and assets,” Clearsound affirmed.
Clearsound expressed sincere regret over the cancellation of Sting 2024, acknowledging the disappointment it caused among loyal fans eagerly awaiting performances by artists such as Tommy Lee Sparta, Turbulence, and Teflon.
“We had unwavering faith in the vision behind Sting and endeavored to support it until the very end. Unfortunately, the lack of support and transparency left us feeling neglected and misled,” the company concluded.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders from both Clearsound and Supreme Promotions continue to navigate the repercussions of this abrupt withdrawal, highlighting the critical importance of clear communication and contractual adherence in event management.
