Award-winning veteran dancehall DJ Bounty Killer was honored on Thursday night with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Caribbean Music Awards in Brooklyn, New York, for his decades-long impact on dancehall music and for his charitable work with his Bounty Foundation.
In an emotional acceptance speech to the full house, the deejay revealed that one of his Bounty Foundation’s most committed donors has been a Jamaican/ Canadian youngster from Toronto, Canada.
“One of my biggest and most dedicated donors is a 9-year-old girl (Jazmin Headley) —she’s 12 now,” Bounty Killer, born Rodney Price, declared.
“I met her online three years ago. On her ninth birthday, she said she wanted to give nine barrels. And she did—nine barrels of clothing and goodies for the Bounty Foundation. She’s a Jamaican/Canadian living in Toronto. Jazmin Headley—remember that name,” he added.
The “Poor People Governor” highlighted Jazmin, a rising singer, actress, and philanthropist whose generosity has touched his and other lives far beyond her years. Jazmin gained attention in Jamaica in 2023 for launching the Jazmin Headley Corner at May Pen Hospital in Clarendon. The dedicated space is equipped with a selection of books, dolls, games, a computer and desk, and interactive toys, thoughtfully curated to bring smiles and laughter to the children at the hospital. Last year, she expanded her efforts to the Victoria Jubilee and Black River hospitals in Jamaica.
Last December, she landed a feature role in MGM’s critically acclaimed biopic The Fire Inside, the true story of boxing champion Claressa Shields. The film, directed by Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rachel Morrison, earned praise for its powerful performances.
For Bounty Killer, the Lifetime Achievement Award was not just a recognition of his artistry and his accomplishments in music but also a reminder of his responsibility.
“This (award) means a lot to me,” he told the gathering.
“This is not for Bounty Killer. This is not for music. This is for Rodney Price—the person,” he added.
Killer closed by imploring all attendees to do what they can to help others.
“It doesn’t matter how big you are, or how small you are, or how old you are…you just need a warm heart to give,” he said. “Big up all the humanitarians and caregivers. Support a foundation, however you can.”
The dj and Jazmin recently teamed up with Jamaican music ambassador Richie Stephens on a new track titled “Fire Inside”—a powerful anthem of resilience, unity, and empowerment that bridges generations of Jamaican music. With young philanthropists like Jazmin stepping up, the future of giving—and of music—is in good hands.
