Richie Spice

Richie Spice

Richie Spice is a Jamaican reggae artist from Saint Andrew, Jamaica. He is born Richell Bonner in 1971 and is a member of the Rastafari movement. He comes from a well-known musical family: the Bonner brothers include Richie Spice, Pliers of Chaka Demus and Pliers, Spanner Banner, and dancehall DJ Snatcher Dog.

Early releases and recordings

Richie Spice’s first Jamaican single is Killing a Sound, produced by Dennis “Star” Hayes. He follows it with Shine, produced by Jamaican record producer and musician Clive Hunt. Spice also works with Hunt on his debut album on the Island Jamaica label, which includes his first major hit, Grooving My Girl.

His second album is organised by his sister, Bridgett Bonner, through Bonner Productions Ltd. That release includes the songs Earth a Run Red, Living Ain’t Easy, Land of Jamaica, Time So Rough, and Grooving My Girl. The album is later renamed Universal and is contracted to Heartbeat Records for further development and international exposure. He also has an album titled World Rock.

Performances and touring

He gains popularity in the mid-1990s and performs at major Jamaican events including Reggae Sun Splash, White River Reggae Bash and Rebel Salute. He also opens shows for Chaka Demus and Pliers, Spanner Banner and Rita Marley on tours of Europe and the United States in 1996 and 1997. He tours East North America from June to September 2001. Later performances include Sting at Jam World in Saint Catherine in December 2002 and Sting Miami in March 2003.

Style and genre

He is described as a reggae artist, and his listed genres also include hip hop R&B and dance hall.