Bounty tackles addiction with message of hope

As Bounty Killer took the stage for his first show of 2025 at the Fireworks on the Waterfront Festival, his performance was more than just a display of dancehall energy -- it was a heartfelt message of hope and resilience, especially for those grappling with mental health challenges and addiction.

In a world where drug abuse, particularly cocaine addiction, continues to devastate communities, the legendary artiste's words resonated deeply: "Faith and hope a di antidote fi coke."

The profound declaration reminded patrons that belief in a higher power and the perseverance to keep moving forward can be the key to overcoming life's darkest moments.

"All a di people dem who happy to be still alive put [hands] up to the Almighty. A Him a watch we. Jamaica is a blessed place. Look how much earthquake, how much storm we endure. We haffi have faith [and] we haffi have hope fi survive ... seh hallelujah. Faith and hope a di antidote fi coke," he noted before chanting a Psalm: " the Lord is my light and my salvation who shall I fear."

It was not the first time that the dancehall icon was using his platorm to urge persons to prioritise their mental health. Last September, he warned that neglecting one's mental health can lead to serious emotional and psychological consequences. On New Year's morning, the veteran entertainer dedicated the song Inner Voice to the youth.

"This song [is] for the youth who a lose hope," he said, slowly singing the lyrics, which states that " life is the greatest gift" and emphasised the need to be in tune with the Creator.