Sizzla Kalonji extended an olive branch to American collaborator DJ Khaled after tearing up and burning a music plaque sent to him by the president of We The Best Music Group.
Sizzla did not give a reason for his actions, which drew condemnation from fans of his music and some of his followers, while Khaled remained silent behind the scenes. The reggae/dancehall icon seemed to have a change of heart as he showed respect to collaborators on several projects and then to DJ Khaled as well.
The artist was recently entertained at the lighting of the Nyabinghi bonfire in the community of St. Catherine’s Charlemont, where youths have launched the Charlemont Housing Program Youth Foundation.
On Instagram Live, he talked about a range of things, including music and its money-making potential, as the artist encourages young people to get involved with music to make money. He also enjoys several artists including Shabba Ranks, Buju Banton, Bounty Killer and many more.
“Shabba Ranks, cheer up. Rise up all Jamaican artists and all Jamaican families. Poor and rich, you are one,” the artist said.
While talking about Rastafarianism and uniting Rastas in Jamaica, the Caribbean and Africa, the artist also addressed a recent incident where he mocked DJ Khaled for “taking him for a fool”.
Sizzla began by offering his condolences to other artists who are mourning the loss of a child or loved one.
“Ragga Marley, bless yourself, you don’t know,” Sizzla said. “Bless yourselves, Aidonia grew up herself, Ricky General, Alozade and all mi artist bredda dem; you lost your baby and you know my condolences.”
The Augusttown show host also singled out several of his collaborators before addressing the controversy with Khaled.
“In the same way that Buju Banton is exaggerated, Bounty Killer is exaggerated, everyone is exaggerated, Dj Khaled is exaggerated, everyone weh mek Platinum is exaggerated, wow!” the artist said, and the people around him fell silent.
The artist did not explain his actions, but noted that he was outraged by vanity.
“Dadda bun di plaque, ah suh it guh enuh, Sizzla love bun fire, Rastafari every time, vanity annoys O soul, just live with love and praise supreme. Every time Rastafari teaches us to get out,” he said.
Sizra’s actions have drawn international attention to his relationship with Khalid, as he is also godfather to Khaled’s eldest son, Assad.
In the incident, the “Rock Solid” artist vandalized a plaque from the album “Father of Asahd” which was featured on “Holy Mountain” along with Buju Banton, Sizzla, Mavado and 070 Shake.
“You’re not the best, you’re worse. You feel like DJ Khaled, can you style for Sizzla? Ah I bus you, man, August Town bus you. Just kidding, kidding,” he said.
“More fyah pon that,” he added. “Bout unu a fyah King and fyah this. Show Yu Hua Guan. Baozi! You sent the wrong brand,” he said, adding, “You insulted me, man. You insulted Jamaica.”
The Bounty Killer seems to have responded to Sizzla’s antics, as he shared an old video of DJ Khaled long before he allied with Sizzla. In that video, a young Khaled credits Bounty for bringing him to Jamaica and encouraging him into dancehall music.
DJ Khaled has not been in contact with Sizzla since the incident.
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