Conscious reggae singer, Richie Spice, explored the depth of
his musical ability with the 2011release of his fifth studio album, the
critically acclaimed Book of Job.
Rated as the most digitally sold Reggae album for 2011 by
iTunes and the New York Times, Book of Job, distributed by VP Records, peaked
between #1 and #4 on the Billboard Reggae Charts for a period of six months,
from the date of release. Propelling the
popularity of Book of Job were hits such as Black Woman, produced by Raging
Fyah, Yap Yap, produced by Lenky Marsden, Legal, produced by Richie Spice, and
New Day, which held down the #1 spot in Kenya and Grenada, for three months.
However, as successful as the Book of Job proved to be,
Richie Spice is not one to sit on his laurels and is a firm believer in the
saying, 'the best is yet to come'.
"Book of Job did well for reggae, not just for me
Richie Spice. With all the talk about reggae music not having an impact, it is
important to understand that there are a lot of great songs being produced by
reggae singers, producers and musicians, but unfortunately these songs, for
whatever reason, are not being heard. I have songs which have topped charts in
Kenya and other countries in Africa, yet Jamaica hardly plays these songs. And
I am sure that it is the same for a lot of other reggae artistes. But we do
what we have to do and keep on putting out good, cultural, conscious music for
our fans to enjoy," the usually quiet reggae singer declared.
Richie Spice, who is always in demand internationally, noted
that whatever the obstacles, he is committed to staying true to his roots as he
continues to stimulate his creative processes in the production of great music.
Christened Richell Bonner, the singer has traversed the
globe, so much so that his Jamaican fans yearned to see him, and when they did,
it was pure musical inspiration.
"Yeah.. I had a great time at A St Mary Mi Come
From," Richie reminisced with a big smile.
And it was obvious to those in the audience that he did.
Performing in a segment that included artistes such as Singing Melody, the duo
of Jigsy King and Tony Curtis and Chuck Fender, Richie Spice held the stage
steady and skillfully engaged his audience.
"I would love to perform in Jamaica more, but as we all
know the shows are just not happening, so we have to go to the festivals in
Europe and California because that's how we make our living," the singer
explained simply.
Despite a hectic tour schedule, Richie Spice has still found
time to work on yet another album, which is scheduled for release this year.
"This one will be really special," he promised.
"I have been toying with this idea for a long time, but nothing happens
before the right time...and that time is now," he stated.
Since 2004 Richie Spice has been elevated as one of reggae’s
most in demand talents and the recipient of numerous awards and accolades. He
received the Most Cultural Artist Award at the 13th annual South Florida Reggae
Soca Awards in 2005; he was voted and received the Male Singer/Singjay of the
Year at Jamaica’s IRIE FM Awards in 2007 & 2008 and following his
performance at the first annual “Black My Story” concert held in Kingston in
2008 Spice was honored for his positive musical contributions.
His 2004 album “Spice in Your Life” was listed as the year’s
best reggae release by the New York Times; “In the Streets To Africa”, reached
number 6 on the Billboard Reggae chart and one of the album’s biggest hits
“Youth Dem Cold” peaked at number 59on the Billboard Top 100 Singles Chart and
ranked at number 29 on Vibe Magazine’s Best 44 songs of 2007. “Gideon Boot”
debuted at no. 1 on the Billboard Reggae chart, in May 2008.
According to Richie Spice, “My responsibility is to use the
talent that God gave me as an instrument to uplift people who are facing the
struggle worldwide and let them feel happy in themselves. It is all about
righteousness, and endorsing the love of the people, good over evil and life
over death.”
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