Bounty Killer has revealed that by consuming copious amounts of mint tea and traditional potions containing garlic, honey and eucalyptus, he has preserved his vocal health over the last three decades.
Bounty listed the herbs as his go-to prophylactic measures in a Joy Daily interview, this after the host inquired if there was ‘anything special’ in his routine that enabled him to preserve his voice and ‘sound the same way’ as he did more than 30 years ago.
“Well all you got to do you got to make sure you always have your organic honey and always have your garlic and you have a thing name Liquifruta – garlic and honey that’s a ‘ointment’ for hoarseness,” Bounty said.
He added: “It’s few times I’ve been hoarse. I never hoarse like 10 times since I’m an artist. Had but a few time, so eucalyptus, and honey and the Liqui-fruta, garlic, those things are good for the vocals and the glands,” he emphasized.
Bounty, who underwent extensive vocal coaching in his early years as a Dancehall professional, also pointed out that dairy and very cold beverages are no-nos for artists if they want their vocals to endure.
“I always drink mint tea. I don’t too mess with dairy product and those thing. Milk sit in your glands and dem ting deh, easy to make yuh hoarse up and give you cold. Suh stay away from the dairy product and if yuh nuh haffi drink cold stuff, you don’t drink it. But I have to got my head hot; I got to drink,” he quipped.
Numerous singers, including Mariah Carey and Brandy, have used honey and herbal teas over the years to preserve vocal health.
Interestingly, international singers, including Adele, Mariah Carey herself, and Celine Dion, have had to undergo surgery to fix vocal cord damage, while Jamaican artist Shenseea was forced to cancel shows in the United Kingdom in early 2019 due to vocal cord trauma.
The Atlanta Institute of Music and Media (AIMM) recommends that singers avoid drinking beverages such as milk and even ice water, particularly before performances, and instead opt for warm water or warm beverages such as ginger tea, as well as potions that include honey.
According to the Institute, it is critical that artists understand the relationship between their vocal health and the beverages they consume before a performance.
“Vocal coaches and music instructors universally agree that your choice of drink can significantly affect your vocal cords, influencing your vocal range and overall singing talents,” the Institute noted in a 2018 article.
“While their effects may be temporary, certain drinks can irritate your vocal cords, making it challenging to deliver a flawless performance. For optimal vocal performance, your vocal folds must be relaxed and soothed, not inflamed or constricted,” it added.
The AIMM contended that persisting through a performance with irritated vocal cords—whether due to a sore throat, inadequate warm-ups, or unsuitable drink choices—can lead to long-term damage to vocal health.
In singling out milk as one of the liquids to avoid drinking before a performance, the AIMM said that it has a “tendency is to coat the throat and stimulate extra mucus production” which may lead to singers having a constant urge to clear the throat and a noticeable reduction in vocal flexibility during singing performances.
The AIMM also stated that the excess phlegm caused by milk can negatively affect the quality of the singing voice, potentially resulting in a raspy tone or the impression of a cracked voice.
It noted that ice-cold water is not the best option for vocalists before a singing performance, as cold temperatures affect throat muscles by constricting them and making them less flexible.
“For singers, flexibility in the throat is crucial for a smooth vocal performance, allowing you to effortlessly reach your full vocal range without strain.”
It added that instead of ice-cold water, singers should consider opting for room-temperature water or a warm drink, which will help them maintain a relaxed throat and ensure their vocal folds are “primed for those high notes and complex melodies.”
The Institute highlighted that honey’s natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it ideal for combating vocal strain and preventing sore throats, which are common concerns for vocal performers.
It also suggested that incorporating honey into a pre-performance routine can help keep vocal cords in optimal condition, allowing a singer’s talents to shine without the hindrance of a raspy voice or throat inflammation.
