Bounty Killer calls for peace in Trinidad and Tobago

Jamaican dancehall superstar Rodney "Bounty Killer" Pryce delivered an anti-crime and violence sermon of sorts to the massive audience assembled at The Paddock, Queen's Park Savannah, Port of Spain, in the midst of his electrifying performance at the Magnum Xplosion SummerStageTT concert event on August 10.

Pryce called on communities, concerned citizens and the government of TT to work together to alleviate the scourge of crime and violence escalating in the country, and shared several poignant and powerful anti-crime messages during his hour-long headlining performance, which began just around 2 am.

Earlier that day, Pryce emerged smiling, excited and triumphant from the Piarco International Airport, after he was detained for nine hours by immigration authorities when his entry into TT was rejected on his arrival on August 9.

The "Poor People's Governor," as he is also known, thanked his "Trini friends and family," including:cricketer and entertainer, Dwayne Bravo; soca stars Bunji Garlin and Fay Ann Lyons; celebrity bodyguard Kevin Da Costa (aka Johnny Bravo) and entrepreneur Kweisi Daniel for supporting him during his detention, and praised Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Transport Minister Daryl Vaz for their intervention in securing his waiver to enter TT.

Pryce told Overtime Media he was happy to be in Trinidad again, but saddened and concerned about the reports of escalating crime and violence in his "sister country."

Speaking to the thousands assembled for the concert, Pryce called out familiar areas such as St Paul Street, Sea Lots, Belmont and Maraval and numbered gangs such as "6, 7 and 11" whilst advising those listening that "even the smartest criminals ended up in prison eventually" and adding that "most of them are actually dead," before leaving with the question: "So why choose a path like that with no future?"

Pryce also sang several uplifting songs, including a remake of the Billy Ocean classic Suddenly, where he questioned how "life could have no meaning" to some of those involved in criminal and violent activities in TT. The veteran entertainer made no apologies for his frequent interludes, declaring that he was hired "not just to come and entertain the people, but to deliver these messages of peace and unity to TT at this time."

Magnum Tonic Wine’s export brand manager from Jamaica Georgia Fearon, who attended the concert, also echoed and endorsed Pryce's concern and advice, describing his performance as "exemplary."

"This was a shining example of regional unity and a display of maturity and civic responsibility by a legendary entertainer.

“Our brand is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary since being launched," she continued, "and we salute all performers alike for displaying the diversity of Magnum within the wider dancehall community."

Earlier in the night, the younger dancehall stars on the cast – Rajah Wild, Kraff and Alkaline – had the women screaming, singing and dancing throughout their solo performances leading up to Pryce, who engaged the men to listen, as he injected serious messages and cautionary advice throughout his set filled with current hits and classic singles from the 90s and 2000s.

Rising local dancehall stars Squid, KESI and others also performed earlier in the night and the event ended at 3 am.

Story and photo courtesy Overtime Media.