Category: Dancehall

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THE WARLORD RETURNS: Bounty Killer’s Comeback at Barclays Center Signals a Historic Dancehall Moment

After 15 long years, dancehall royalty Bounty Killer is finally returning to U.S. soil, and it’s nothing short of a cultural earthquake. Set to hit the stage at the 18,000-capacity Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Saturday, July 5, 2025, this Independence weekend performance marks a major chapter in Jamaican music history—and a full-circle moment for one of the genre’s most influential figures.

For us at Cover Art Express, this is more than just a concert. It’s a masterclass in branding, resilience, and the power of iconic visual and lyrical storytelling. From his gritty street anthems to larger-than-life collaborations with artists like Busta Rhymes, No Doubt, and The Fugees, Rodney “Bounty Killer” Price has always understood how to craft a persona that transcends borders. Now, Brooklyn—his home away from home—is ready to welcome him back in grand style.

A Homecoming Like No Other

The buzz surrounding The Return of the Warlord is electrifying. Not only is this Bounty’s first U.S. performance since his visa was revoked in 2010, but it’s happening in Brooklyn—the very place where his breakout hit Coppershot first shook the American airwaves in 1992. According to Anthony “ER Guru” Turner, the energy in the borough is already palpable: “It nah guh normal.”

His longtime manager, Paul “Bankie” Giscombe, said it best: “Brooklyn is where his U.S. journey began… so it’s only fitting that his return happens there.” Presented by Reggae Fest’s CJ Milan, the show is expected to draw thousands from across the U.S., not just for the music, but for what it represents—redemption, legacy, and impact.

Dancehall’s Visual Identity & the Power of Iconic Moments

As a platform focused on graphic design, visual branding, and creative marketing in the music industry, Cover Art Express sees events like this as key cultural moments. They shape the aesthetic of an entire genre.

Bounty Killer’s comeback is the perfect example of how an artist’s brand isn’t just about music—it’s about storytelling, consistency, and image. From the menacing silhouette often featured on his album covers to the raw visuals that accompany tracks like Fed Up and Down in the Ghetto, Bounty’s artistic direction has always matched the energy of his lyrics.

And when fans hear those iconic horns or that commanding voice say, “People Dead!”—they see a whole legacy unfold. That’s the power of visual identity. That’s what we aim to capture in every project we touch at Cover Art Express.

Mentorship, Legacy & The Next Generation

Beyond the stage, Bounty’s influence has birthed the careers of major dancehall stars like Vybz Kartel, Mavado, and Elephant Man. His eye for talent and commitment to the culture makes this Barclays performance even more symbolic. It’s not just his return—it’s a beacon for every artist who dreams of taking Jamaican music to the world.

Final Word

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a new listener catching the wave of dancehall’s global reach, Bounty Killer’s return is a historic moment worth celebrating visually, musically, and culturally.

At Cover Art Express, we’ll be watching this event closely—not just to enjoy the music but to draw inspiration from the legacy of an icon who proves that art, identity, and authenticity never go out of style.

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Bounty Killer Regains US Visa After 15 Years, Marking Triumphant Return

After a long 15-year wait, dancehall icon Bounty Killer has officially regained his US visa, making his long-anticipated return to the United States. The legendary deejay, born Rodney Pryce, shared the monumental news with fans and well-wishers, expressing deep gratitude for the support he received throughout his journey.

Bounty Killer, who had his visa revoked in March 2010, never wavered in his faith and resilience. Announcing his return on social media, he posted a photo of himself on a plane with the caption: “God is the greatest all the times despite how it may seem. In March 2010, my visa was revoked for reasons unknown. Fast forward 15 years later—today, March 2025—I arrived in the States with no hassle. The greatest thing? I never had to beg, bend, or bow. I stayed true to myself—vigilant and resilient.”

The entertainer’s statement resonated deeply with fans and fellow artists, sparking a wave of congratulatory messages. Dancehall and hip-hop stars such as Vybz Kartel and Swizz Beatz celebrated the announcement, with Kartel posting a plane emoji and the hashtag #GodIsTheGreatest, while Swizz Beatz responded with multiple fire emojis.

A central figure in dancehall for decades, Bounty Killer took the opportunity to acknowledge those who stood by him, including his late mother, Ms. Ivey, and his manager, Paul ‘Bankey’ Giscombe. “First and foremost, I want to acknowledge and express my deepest gratitude to God, the source of all my blessings. I also extend my heartfelt appreciation to my beloved mother, Ms. Ivey. May she rest in peace. To my dear friend, brother, and manager, Paul Giscombe—’Bankey’—I am forever grateful for your relentless pursuit to restore my visa. Bankey, you never lost hope, even after multiple rejections.”

Bounty Killer’s legal team, family, friends, and fans also played a crucial role in his journey back to the US. He thanked the US Consulate General and embassy staff for their professionalism and support during the visa application process. “Big thanks to my incredible lawyer who put this final application together and made its success a reality. Finally, I want to thank all my beloved family, friends, and fans worldwide who have consistently supported me throughout this journey. Your love and encouragement have been a source of inspiration.”

This milestone follows his UK visa reinstatement in 2023, marking his long-awaited return to international stages. Other dancehall giants, including Beenie Man, Aidonia, Sizzla, and Mavado, also faced visa revocations in 2010. While Aidonia and Mavado have since regained their US travel privileges, Beenie Man’s visa was reinstated last year.

Now back on American soil, Bounty Killer’s return is a testament to perseverance and the unbreakable spirit of dancehall music. Fans eagerly anticipate his upcoming performances, signaling a powerful new chapter in his career.

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Vybz Kartel’s Wireless Festival appearance: What fans can expect

Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel will make a historic appearance at the 2025 Wireless Festival in London, joining rap superstar Drake on stage. The festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary, will be held from July 11 to 13 at Finsbury Park.

Drake will headline all three nights, with Vybz Kartel performing on July 13. Other performers include Nigerian artist Burna Boy, R&B singer Summer Walker, and OVO Sound’s PARTYNEXTDOOR.

This marks Vybz Kartel’s return to the international stage after his release from prison in July 2024, following a 13-year sentence. Fans and the music community are excited about his performance.

Tickets for Wireless Festival 2025 will be available starting February 19. For more details and to buy tickets, visit the official Wireless Festival website (dancehallmag.com).

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Spice Army Wins Red Bull Culture Clash 2025

Spice Army Wins Red Bull Culture Clash 2025 in London

The Queen of Dancehall, Spice, has once again proven her dominance, leading her crew, Spice Army, to victory at Red Bull Culture Clash 2025 in London. Held at Drumsheds on March 8th, the event saw a crowd of 10,000 music fans decide the champions of the UK’s biggest sound clash competition.

Spice Army faced off against Voice of the Streets, Native, and Homegrown in a thrilling four-round battle, ultimately securing the win with their high-energy performances and strategic dubplate selections. The team, featuring Jiggy D, Loyal Squad, Mak 10, Noah Powa, Rampage Sound, and Richie Feelings, represented Caribbean sound and Jamaican culture with pride.

A Winning Formula of Music and Surprise Performances

Spice Army set themselves apart with exclusive dubplates from global icons like Sting, Giggs, and Vybz Kartel, electrifying the crowd with their musical arsenal. The excitement reached new heights with surprise performances from Chip, D Double E, Skraps, and Lady Leshurr, solidifying their lead in the competition.

Their competitors brought strong contenders to the stage. Voice of the Streets (VOTS), led by Kenny Allstar, featured artists like Big Narstie, Ghetts, and Cristale. Native, led by Lagos artist Teezee, showcased NSG, Spinall, and Pa Salieu, while Homegrown, with DJ Jyoty at the helm, featured Conducta, Flowdan, and Lil Silva. Despite the tough competition, Spice Army’s energy, crowd connection, and musical strategy led them to victory.

Championship Trophy and New Rewards

For the first time, the Red Bull Culture Clash champions will receive custom-designed championship rings, created in collaboration with A Jewellers, in addition to the coveted trophy. The trophy itself was designed by Goldie, a jungle music pioneer and former Culture Clash champion with his Metalheadz crew.

With this victory, Spice Army secures bragging rights and the opportunity to defend their title at the next Red Bull Culture Clash. The event showcased the global impact of Dancehall and Caribbean culture, proving that Spice remains a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.

Stay tuned for more updates on Spice Army’s journey and what’s next for the reigning champions.

https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/spice-army-win-red-bull-culture-clash-2025

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Dancehall artiste “squash” arrest in Florida for gun related charges

Dancehall artiste squash also known as Andre Whittaker. The entertainer, a member of the 6ixs was arrested on February 25,2025 in Florida, United States, around 3:00 am for gun- related charges. According to the Miami-Dade Police, the artist has been charged with possession of a short-barrel shotgun, a rifle, a machine gun as well as a concealed firearm. The Miami-Dade Department records indicate a fee of US $3,000 has been set; however no warrant case date has been listed. This incident follows previous legal issues for Squash in Florida, including a 2023 arrest on immigration-related charges and alleged connections to a 2022 double murder in Lauderhill, Florida.

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Sevana and Tems Spark Excitement with Behind-the-Scenes Photos in Jamaica

Jamaican singer Sevana recently shared a special moment with Nigerian superstar Tems while the latter was in Jamaica filming the music video for her Dancehall-inspired track, “Turn Me Up.”

On Thursday, November 21, Tems took to her verified Instagram to post behind-the-scenes photos from the shoot, captioning the images with the phrase “Open your eyes” along with a Jamaican flag emoji. Just a few days later, on Monday, November 25, Sevana also shared her own set of behind-the-scenes snapshots, tagging Tems and posting a combination of the Jamaican and Nigerian flags, with a heart-shaped hand emoji between them.

While Sevana wasn’t featured in the music video, the photos sparked buzz among fans, with the two artists clearly enjoying each other’s company. Sevana, who recently released her music video for “Keep Going (Chosen)” eight months ago, is focused on her own music career. The video has already garnered 132,000 views, marking her first release of 2024. Reflecting on the song, Sevana shared, “It’s a song I wrote and still listen to, even now, to remind myself of my power and purpose. We’ve all faced trauma, challenges, and dark times. This track is for those moments when you’re unsure whether to keep moving forward.”

Sevana’s journey to success began with Protoje’s In.Digg.Nation collective, which signed a deal with Sony Music Entertainment’s RCA Records in 2020. She released her debut EP Sevana in 2016 and followed up with Be Somebody in 2020. After leaving the collective in 2022, she launched her own label, GoodHzMusic, and has released several singles under it, including “Brand New,” “Lowe Mi,” and “One More Time.”

Meanwhile, “Turn Me Up” is part of Tems’ latest album, Born in the Wild, which has already amassed over 545,000 views on YouTube within just five days of release.

This exciting moment also comes on the heels of Tems’ impressive three Grammy nominations: Best R&B Song for Burning, Best Global Music Album for Born in the Wild, and Best African Music Performance for Love Me Jeje.

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Alkaline’s Manager/Sister Earns Her Masters of Entertainment, Valedictorian of Her Class of 2024!

Kereena Beckford, a renowned artiste manager and entrepreneur, has reached an impressive milestone in her career by earning a Master of Science in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University. Her academic achievement is even more remarkable as she was named valedictorian of her graduating class, underscoring her dedication and leadership.

Beckford has made a significant impact in the entertainment industry, particularly through her management of her brother, reggae-dancehall sensation Alkaline. Her work has helped propel his career, making her a key figure in the global music scene. Additionally, as the organizer of the New Rules Festival, Beckford has demonstrated her entrepreneurial acumen by curating successful events that highlight her ability to blend business with creativity.

This latest academic accomplishment further enhances Beckford’s expertise in the entertainment field, positioning her for continued success as she expands her influence in both the management and entrepreneurial sectors.

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Shenseea Celebrates Her First Grammy Nomination

Shenseea has earned her first Grammy nomination for her album Never Gets Late Here, and she couldn’t wait to share the excitement with her fans. Going LIVE on social media, she expressed her joy and gratitude, encouraging her fans to support her by voting. Fighting back tears, Shenseea shared how thrilled she was and how she couldn’t wait to share the news with her son. Joining her in the Grammy nomination category are other celebrated artists, including Vybz Kartel, Bob Marley, and Collie Buddz.

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Sean Paul Collaborates with Will Smith for “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die” Soundtrack

Sean Paul has teamed up with Will Smith on the track “Light Em Up” for the soundtrack of “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die,” the fourth installment in the iconic Bad Boys franchise. This collaboration marks Smith’s return to music since his 2020 cameo on Joyner Lucas’ “Will (Remix).” The soundtrack boasts ten songs, including two featuring Sean Paul: “Light Em Up” with Smith and “Bad Boys” with Argentine artist Trueno. Known for his dancehall style, Sean Paul embraced the “bad man” theme for “Light Em Up,” which has received overwhelming support from fans on social media, flooding his Instagram with fire emojis. Currently on a U.S. tour, Sean Paul shared that a secretive writing boot camp led to his involvement in this project.

“Bad Boys: Ride Or Die” Achieves $56 Million Opening

“Bad Boys: Ride Or Die,” the latest film in the Will Smith-Martin Lawrence franchise, opened with an estimated $56 million, marking Smith’s biggest box office success since his 2022 Oscar controversy. Despite mixed reviews, the film received an A- CinemaScore from audiences. This release comes during a challenging summer for Hollywood, with ticket sales significantly down compared to pre-pandemic levels. Smith avoided discussing the Oscars incident during his promotional tour, focusing instead on the film’s release. With a $100-million production budget, the film was briefly put on hold due to the controversy but ultimately moved forward.

Immersive 4DX Experience at Palace Amusement

The film is now showing at Palace Amusement’s newly renovated 4DX cinema at the Carib 5 location, offering an immersive movie-watching experience that engages multiple senses. The 4DX technology enhances films with physical effects such as moving seats, water sprays, and high-pressure air. Executive Director Steven Cooke believes this technology will revolutionize movie-watching by making viewers feel part of the action. A select group experienced the 4DX effects during a special showing of “Bad Boys: Ride Or Die,” noting the realistic driving sensations, smoke, mist, bright LED flashes, and more. The cinema, seating 112, features refurbished seats with footrests and may inspire more 4DX cinemas if successful. Attendees left with high praise for the experience.