Ishawna Speaks On Controversial Bounty Killer Cutout at Sumfest, Collaborating with Ed Sheeran, Upcoming Album and Co-Parenting with Foota Hype – Watch Interview

Kedean BrownJanuary 8, 2024

Currently working on her first album, dancehall artiste Ishawna discussed the project in an interview, as well as a few of her controversial moments, including her viral dance routine on a cutout of Bounty Killer.

Never one to shy away from creating controversial moments, whether on stage or with her music, Ishawna still managed to stun fans as she unveiled the cutouts of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, Minister Christopher Tufton, and Bounty Killer at Reggae Sumfest 2022. Unveiling Bounty’s cut-out last, Ishawna would deliver a performance of her song Equal Rights that ignited the deejay’s rage online.

But according to Ishawna, she harbours no ill will for the artiste. Speaking on The Fix podcast, she explained that it was simply done for entertainment and was not out of disrespect.

However, the New Child singer said that she was prepared to take on Bounty lyrically if necessary amid his backlash after the incident and expressed confidence that she would have been victorious.

“…Best believe I wouldn’t lose [ … ] I literally had to fight for where I’m at, so I developed this type of beast [ … ] once it come out its war. I would definitely defend myself. I wouldn’t want to because, of course, I respect Bounty Killer. I love him dearly,” Ishawna stated.

She added that, as Bounty heavily criticised her single Equal Rights after its release, it was fitting to include him onstage.

Ishawna also spoke about collaborating with English singer Ed Sheeran and getting his blessing to sample his hit Shape of You for Equal Rights.

Ishawna shared that Sheeran reached out to her via social media in 2021 to give her clearance to sample his single. According to the Mi Belly artiste, she will be releasing a revamped version of Equal Rights featuring the Shape of You riddim for her upcoming album.

She signed with New York-based hip-hop label Payday Records last September and shared in the interview that she is currently working on both an EP and her debut album. Ishawna further disclosed that after releasing Brace It, she and Sheeran have developed a genuine friendship and will be releasing future collaborations.

The artiste went on to speak briefly on motherhood and balancing raising her son, Oshawn, with her career, and said she could see him becoming her manager in the next few years. In regards to co-parenting Oshawn with her ex-boyfriend Foota Hype, Ishawna expressed that there is no need for them to communicate as their son is an adult now.

Watch the interview below.