Bounty killer does not feel the sentiments expressed by some local artistes. Reggae produced in Jamaica often falls below international standards. SOJA, a US-based group have won the Grammy Best Reggae album. The “Poor People Governor” criticized Jamaican artists who he felt preferred other music to reggae over dancehall, and called them “sellouts”, who are not loyal to the musical platform that made them famous.
Bounty Killer is Rodney Price’s real name. He has been in the music business for over thirty years. As a veteran, he has many notable accomplishments, including number-one hits, cross-cultural collaborations with international stars and the honor of performing on the Super Bowl’s Half Time Show. The entertainer, who is 49 years old, has never minced words. He has plenty to say about those he calls “wannabees”, who continue to degrade indigenous music from the island, while foreigners instantly recognise and accept it as worth listening to.
The “My Experience” entertainer posted a recent Instagram post, saying, “One reason why non-Jamaicans are winning Grammys for reggae more than Jamaicans is that our younger generation isn’t embracing it as much as they should.” Today, you hear more trap, afro beats and drill at parties than reggae. The wannabees are helping to extinguish Jamaican dancehall indirectly and directly. There is no root without roots. Learn from the lunatics. While our kids may not be into reggae, kids all over the globe are learning and practicing our music and culture. We are making fools of ourselves. Even though SOJA album isn’t as good as Gramps/ Etana/ Jessy’s, it still tells the story. “Wise up Jamaicans!”
Bounty Killer posted another opinion regarding any attempts to replace or dilute authentic dancehall and reggae music with trap music. He said, “Unnu ignore good music that is meant to inspire and encourage young ones to remain positive then unnu turn back around complaining about music’s state that’s why they are just a gwan chop and trap it.”
Bounty shared a song by Dane Starr, “Break My Heart” to show that reggae is alive and well in Jamaica. He also included lengthy captions. Orville also shared a video of Orville Hall, choreographer for Dance Expressionz, dancing to Bounty’s remix of “Poor People Fed up.” Orville wrote, “Many people are not able express with words what they’re going through, but if we listen, you’ll hear. The music and movement convey a message.
Khago, a fellow artist, also shared his sentiments on social media following SOJA’s win.
He said that the reggae they were using was a watered down version. The “Nice Again” entertainer even suggested that SOJA’s vocals are weak. However, their Grammy win could be due to the fact that their songs were set to reggae beats. There has been a constant debate over whether reggae songs can be considered authentically Jamaican, if not performed by Jamaican artists.
Nymron, a dancehall artiste, also commented on Bounty Killer’s post.
“Only money can an artist value and have no respect for those who came before them. He wrote that Dem are rich but have no class and don’t know how to act. “All the time mi nuh have certain items mi still have myself as one of best . I have to do serious dancehall work, but i will get the car, house and money. I have determination and will power, so no more mind games.
The majority of Jamaicans have adopted non-Jamaican artists such as Gentleman from Germany, Alborosie, Snow, Canada, and Pressure. They also support the United States Virgin Islands. British reggae band UB40 has been touring the world on a platform that promotes reggae for decades. They have been nominated for four Grammy awards for Best Reggae Album, and have sold more than 70 million records.
