Popcaan Celebrates 32nd Birthday With Drake, Mourns The Loss Of His Friend ‘Bookha’
Dancehall artiste Popcaan rang in his 32nd birthday alongside his friend and Canadian rapper, Drake, in Barbados. For Popcaan it is a bittersweet celebration, today (July 19), as with happiness and gratefulness, he is also mourning the loss of close friend, Bookha.
In Popcaan’s Instagram story posted minutes past midnight on Sunday, Drake is seen, wishing the Unruly Boss a happy birthday saying, “more life to the gad” as he waved a Bajan flag while rocking a Lakers jersey which displayed a portrait of the late Kobe Bryant. Popcaan responded, by adding his signature “woi yoiiii” and “rest in peace Bookha.”
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Drake was among the first international travelers to arrive since Barbados reopened its borders on July 12. He’s been enjoying some rest and relaxation, but sources told HollywoodLife that he was actually on the island to shoot a music video.
Both artistes would have been required to present evidence of a negative result from a PCR COVID-19 test upon arrival on the island.
Popcaan’s birthday celebrations kicked off with members of his Unruly crew, who were featured on his IG Story, all wishing him happy earth strong as they rocked to music on what appeared to be a large patio, with party cups in their hands.
Popcaan, in his Story, pointed the camera at a man named “Night Owl” who though not clearly visible, said,” happy earth strong to the gad,” another member of the clan was also heard adding, “a more life enuh”.
There is no doubt that the artiste is grateful for another year of life as he used the caption, “life is the greatest,” and indeed he seems happy for the life his entertainment career has afforded him as he is seen iced out in oversized jewellery in his story.
The Friends Like These singer remembered his friend Bookha in his first Instagram post, since the Unruly member was killed in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, July 5. Bookha, whose real name was Duwayne Mitchell, lived in Harbour View, St Andrew.
In the post, Popcaan said, “it’s a bittersweet moment right now. it’s honestly not a happy birthday!!!”
“Legends never die rest up my bro, we going miss you family thanks for everything you teach us, and all the energy you gave to the unruly camp. my condolences to the whole family prayers up,” he continued.
The post included a video that paid homage to the well-known bike man.
Meanwhile, it wasn’t only Popcaan’s crew that helped him celebrate his special day. His sister, Annalecia Sutherland, better known as ‘Unruly Squid’ also sent birthday wishes along with others in the entertainment fraternity such as Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Vybz Kartel, Jada Kingdom, and Desha Ravers who took to social media platforms to share tributes for the artiste.
“Happy birthday my brother from the same mom and dad!! Lol love you enuh bad man mi nuh affi say 40 cause u done know,” said Unruly Squid.
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“Happy Birthday Papi skull. More blessings and life for you,” said Jada Kingdom who shared a photo of the artiste in her IG story.
“Happy Birthdayyyyy Mi G mi need a trip to the river as mi land,” said Spice.
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Dexta Daps commented: “Life is Everything… my condolences… blessed strong my artiste… strong n ready….@popcaanmusic.”
Quada posted: “Bless Up Yuh Self Pan The Strong Papa Skull Loyalty Fi Life Me G More Blessings More Life More Everything Me OG”
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Fans of the deejay showed their support for his emotional journey at this time, including one who tried to get Popcaan to cheer up: “He would have wanted you to enjoy your day babe RIP Bookha!”
Many others also expressed their condolences and happy birthday wishes to the Everything Nice singer. The sudden death of a close friend is never easy to get over, and it may be a while before Popcaan returns to his usual outgoing personality.
Popcaan, whose real name is Andrae Hugh Sutherland, was born in the Jamaican parish of Saint Thomas on July 19, 1988. The 32-year-old is now one of the biggest Dancehall stars, with numerous hits including his breakout Clarks with Vybz Kartel, Ova Dweet, Family, Firm and Strong and Numbers Don’t Lie .
He has three studio projects under his belt so far: Where We Come From (2014), Forever (2018) and Vanquish (2019), which was the first project released since Popcaan was signed to Drake’s OVO Sound record label in 2018.