Massive lead for Bounty in 'Greatest Icon' race

It is obvious that most Jamaicans believe that Bounty Killer is dancehall music's greatest icon.

In The Guinness 50 Greatest Dancehall Icons competition being presently published in THE STAR and online, the deejay has built up a commanding lead in the number of votes received.

Bounty, whose real name is Rodney Pryce, has approximately 50,000 votes, almost double the number for his closest rival on the list, Lady Saw. Also listed in the top 10 are Beenie Man, Lt Stitchie, Sanchez, Vybz Kartel, Buju Banton, Jr Gong, Dancehall Queen Carlene and Shaggy.

When THE WEEKEND STAR contacted the deejay yesterday he was gracious about the fact that he is already proving to be a clear favourite and appears to be a runaway winner.

"It's overwhelming. This response is unbelievable. It isn't that I haven't put in the work, but I have seen other people greater than me on the list," the deejay humbly said.

The deejay went on to state that despite his many achievements in the music industry he is continuing to work on his music on a daily basis. "I am trying to take my music to a different height," the Poor People Governor said

He said that he is now working on several singles, continuing his work with the ANG group and looking forward to possibly completing an album for VP Records later this year.

In the meantime though, there are some things that the ever outspoken Bounty wants to see improved in order for the development of dancehall music.

Young artiste, he said, are not getting the chance to perform in concert shows. "We need more persons to do like what Sharon (Burke) is doing with the live concert each Tuesday at Tracks & Records," he said.

These types of shows he said, allows for full length, proper sets that assist in the development of young talents. The deejay also pointed out that more artistes needed to use their music to influence change in the society.

While speaking of change he pointed out the need for more support from major record labels to push Jamaican music on the international stage. "Nobody nah spend nuh money again. We don't have the big record companies to push us on to the international stage like before. We not getting the same videos to compete with Nicki Minaj dem. We need the push," he said.

According to Bounty, Dancehall music is presently not getting the opportunity to show its true potential. You can see Bounty performing at The Gleaner's massive free concert tomorrow night at South Parade, downtown Kingston.

(from Jamaica Star)