Dancehall queen Spice recently shared her excitement over the release of Vybz Kartel from prison after 13 years. Just stepping off a plane from London, where she co-headlined Popcaan’s Unruly Fest, Spice took to Instagram to express her joy, exclaiming, “Free WorldBoss!” This moment marks a significant milestone for both artists, as Spice has been a steadfast supporter of Kartel throughout his incarceration.
The impact of Vybz Kartel
Vybz Kartel, known as the WorldBoss, has had a profound influence on the dancehall scene, even while behind bars. With Kartel’s murder conviction recently overturned due to jury misconduct, Spice believes it’s time to celebrate, declaring it a potential national holiday for the artist.
Spice’s musical journey
Spice and Popcaan rose to fame through collaborations with Kartel, with hits like “Clarks” and “Ramping Shop”. Despite the challenges of Kartel’s imprisonment, Spice continued to release music, including the duet “Conjugal Visit.” Her new album, Mirror 25, features shoutouts from prominent Jamaican artists, showcasing the support she has garnered throughout her career.
Reflecting on 25 years in the industry
In a recent interview, Spice reflected on her 25-year journey as a self-managed female artist in a male-dominated industry. Her rise to fame involved hard work, resilience and a commitment to her craft.
Breaking barriers
Spice’s debut album, 10, released in 2022, earned her a Grammy nomination for Best Reggae Album, making her the first hardcore female dancehall artist to achieve this recognition. Although she did not win, she views the nomination as a victory for the genre and hopes to pave the way for future dancehall artists.
Looking ahead
With her latest album, Mirror 25, Spice continues to push the boundaries of dancehall music. She emphasizes the need for greater recognition of the genre in major award shows and is determined to elevate dancehall to new heights.
Spice’s journey is a testament to her strength and determination. As she celebrates the release of Vybz Kartel, she remains focused on her mission to empower and uplift the dancehall community.
