‘Bounty Killer is my family’ - Outpouring of love at ‘Warlord’s’ 52nd birthday celebration

Just as it did at Bounty Killer's 50th birthday in 2022, and also the following year, the rain showed up to the private party on Wednesday to add its special drops to the dancehall artiste's celebration.

Hosted in an upscale St Andrew neighbourhood at the house of singer and producer Richie Stephens, the party started at 4 p.m. but it wasn't until way past 8 p.m. that the invited guests started showing up in twos and threes to "bless up" the 'Grunggaadzilla'. It was a night on which Bounty Killer did much more smiling and dancing, but very little talking, even as he ensured that guests felt welcome and greeted them with hugs and fist bumps.

"A Bounty ting so we have to be here to support," was the theme of the comments from friends such as Pashon Minott, Beenie Man, Harry Toddler, Lena British, Jeffrey Stephenson, and the host of others who remained well after the 11 p.m. cut-off time. Although the man of the moment will not be performing at Reggae Sumfest, where he was to be honoured, Downsound Records CEO and Sumfest head, Joe Bogdanovich, showed up and heartily participated in the birthday celebrations.

It was strange to see that Stephens, who is known for fiercely guarding his privacy, opened up his home in this way. He said that he would do it all over again.

"Why did I do this? In one word, family," an upbeat Stephens told THE WEEKEND STAR. "Killer is my family and I would do this for a family member. Killer is just a solid human being and he and I have developed a solid friendship over the years. We deal with honesty ... we don't go round nuh cawna ... and that's why he and I respect each other."

He added, "As an artiste, Bounty Killer is nothing short of great."

Singjay Bling Dawg, who has had a long friendship with the Alliance boss, hailed Bounty Killer as "one of the realest human beings I ever know" and wished him "long life, more blessings ... and may the Most High continue blessing you with all your plans".