Spice consoles fans after losing the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album to a predominantly white band
One thing about Caribbean people is that they are fiercely protective of their own! Imagine the outrage among fans when not one, but four black reggae performers were passed over for a Grammy award in 2022, instead going to a largely white band from Virginia.
Soldier of Jah Army (SOJA) took home the title for “Best Reggae Album” in 2022, beating out nominees Sean Paul, Gramps Morgan, Etana, and Spice. Spice responded to angry fans on Instagram after SOJA’s victory.
Fans that are dissatisfied
“We’ve come a long way, besties don’t cry.” Spice wrote to her 3.9 million Instagram followers. “Remember, I was homeless to this day, so I’m still extremely humbled and appreciative.
I see all your support and frustrations, but you know we never give up; we’ll be back at it tomorrow,” Spice wrote to her 3.9 million followers. “Watch little Gracie on the Grammy red carpet. I love you all so much.”
Here’s how Spice’s comment section looked following the loss:
“You deserved that win. You were robbed,” @_chocolate_desire wrote.
“The pirates of the Caribbean robbed us Gracie,” @blessingsjoy35
“They robbed you Queen . Why they can’t give the real Jamaican artiste the recognition? Smh. You are the real winner,” @thespicy0ne wrote.
Spice’s Musical Background
Spice would have made history if she had won in the category in which she was nominated! Her debut album, 10, which was executive produced by Caribbean legend Shaggy, earned her her first nomination for best reggae album.
The album debuted at number one on the Billboard reggae album list in August 2021. According to The New York Times, 10 was ranked sixth.
However, most West Indian natives can attest to hearing Spice’s songs before Americans were introduced to her. Spice, whose true name is Grace Hamilton, began her musical career at the age of 17.
She was auditioning for the Sting Festival, a massive one-day Jamaican bashment at the time. Spice was born after a promoter handed her a space after four audition songs.
As a result, he began performing at dancehall festivals and parties on a regular basis. According to the New York Times, Spice began traveling throughout the Caribbean, Europe, and the United States in 2003.
Her tune “Romping Shop,” which she co-wrote with Vbyz Kartel, stayed on the Billboard list for 15 weeks after six years. Her debut EP, “So Mi Like It,” reached number 14 on the reggae list.
Spice made a name for herself in reality television by appearing on “Love & Hip-Hop Atlanta” in 2018. In 2018, she also released the mixtape “Captured,” which debuted at number one on the reggae album list.
White Reggae Artists Have Won
Spice’s numbers, experience, and incredible performances, however, were not enough to win at the Grammys this year.
Beauty in the Silence, SOJA’s seventh studio album, won instead. According to BET, this is the first time a largely white reggae band has won an album award. Soja’s triumph is only the third time a non-Jamaican person or group has won since the category was created roughly 37 years ago.
