On Saturday, July 5, 2025, the very walls of Brooklyn’s Barclays Center trembled—not just from the booming basslines of dancehall, but from the pounding hearts and thunderous love from the sold-out crowd who came to welcome back a living legend.
After more than 15 years away from U.S. stages, ‘Warlord’ Bounty Killer—one of dancehall’s fiercest voices and most revered sons—returned as a hero. As New York’s Irie Jam radio host DJ Roy introduced him, Brooklyn bowed in respect.
“Reggae Fest Presents: The Return of Bounty Killer,” produced by CJ Milan, was more than a concert. It was a historic moment in time for a culture that had long missed its general. The night’s emotional high came from Bounty Killer and the musical family he helped build and whom he had invited to join him on stage.
Masicka delivered a short but clinical performance that gave a glimpse of the future of dancehall. Aidonia lit the stage with his signature fire. When ‘Gully Gad Mavado’—his one-time protégé—took the stage to perform “So Special,” his voice cracked with emotion. Stopping mid-song, he turned to salute the man who believed in him before the world ever did. The crowd erupted—not just in applause, but in acknowledgment of legacy.
As the lights dimmed at 11.08 pm and the riddims dropped, women screamed their hearts out. Men pounded their chests, others high-fived each other, some lifted flags, while others lit up the arena with cellphones. All were proud to be a part of this historic moment. For a few precious hours, time rewound, and the spirit of Jamaica roared through New York.
From the opening bars of “Poor People Fed Up” to the haunting chant of “The Lord is my Light and Salvation,” Bounty Killer and his backing band Nin9 X Nin9 took us on a musical odyssey, delivering a scintillating performance that was more sermon than setlist. Every lyric from his extensive song catalogue hit like a bomb—raw, real, and relevant. Songs like “Eagle and Di Hawk,” “Look Into My Eyes,” “Coppershot,” and “Kill Fi Fun” hit like a bullet from a Glock, reminding the crowd why Bounty remains not just an icon, but the one and only Grung Gaadzilla.
Bounty introduced his friend and vocal coach Richard ‘Richie’ Stephens midway through his performance, and they embraced like long-lost brothers. Their performance of “Maniac” and Richie’s execution of his 90s dancehall hit “Trying to Get to You” was nostalgic, while a an adapted version by both, of Tony Rebel’s “Fresh Vegetable” had the ladies screaming for more. The love poured in all night. Majah Myah, Bounty’s own son—standing proudly beside his dad. In that moment, dancehall’s future met its foundation. A literal passing of the torch, witnessed by thousands. Remember where you first saw this youngster 10 years from now when he becomes a global superstar.
Dexta Daps, Junior Reid, K-Queens, I-Octane, Charly Black, Kip Rich and Elephant Man were among the celebrity friends who all graced the stage. But none were mere performances. Each artist brought a tribute, a thank-you letter in song to the Warlord who paved their path.
Even across the ocean, Vybz Kartel, Bounty’s once-rival and now-reggae icon, was making his own impact as he wrote dancehall history performing at Europe’s Summerjam Festival. The message was clear: Dancehall, born on Kingston’s gritty streets, now thunders across continents.
Reggae Sumfest boss Joe Bogdanovich, who flew to New York from Kingston with seven members of his team for the historic Brooklyn shindig, praised Bounty for delivering a performance of a lifetime.
“What we witnessed in Barclays was a performance only the Godfather of Dancehall Bounty could deliver. When he left that stage, there were no chickens left in the coop—just feathers everywhere. Bounty killed it!” he exclaimed!
As the night drew to a close, the applause was not just for Bounty’s hit songs—it was for survival, for resilience, for perseverance and for believing in oneself. Pass indiscretions were forgiven. Beefs were squashed. This was more than entertainment. It was redemption. It’s a new day in dancehall music.
As one fan exclaimed, “Bounty is no longer cross, angry and miserable…he is wiser, calmer, but he can still entertain and engage his fans.”
In a deeply personal message posted to Instagram after his performance, Bounty Killer shared:
“Saturday, July 5th, 2025, will forever be etched in my heart as one of the most powerful moments of my entire career. After more than 15 years away from the U.S. stage, to return and be embraced with such overwhelming love and energy—I have to give thanks. To my fans who filled the Barclays Center and shared this iconic night with me—singing, dancing, and vibing as I poured out my soul with every song—you all made me feel truly special. Your energy fueled every lyric, every moment, and every heartbeat of the performance. Massive respect to CJ Milan and the Reggae Fest Tour team. Thank you for believing in me from day one, and for giving dancehall this global platform it so rightly deserves. From the planning to the flawless execution, the production was world-class. I can’t thank you enough for making this vision a reality…My heart is full. The mission continues. See you again soon.”
Now, with talks of a solo North American tour on the horizon, it’s clear this return was not the grand finale. It is only the beginning.
