Graciously Grace – Spice reflects on milestone 25 years
In a night drenched with glitz, glamour, and the infectious energy of dancehall, Spice, the undisputed Queen of Dancehall, last Thursday launched her much-anticipated album, Mirror 25, at the swanky The Blue Venue, Dominica Drive in New Kingston.
The event was a star-studded affair, teeming with the biggest names in dancehall, media heavyweights, and a throng of loyal fans, all there to witness this landmark moment in Spice’s trailblazing career.
The evening kicked off with a bang, setting the tone for a night to remember. Spice herself led a segment she called ‘Storytime with Spice,’ where she paid homage to the legends who paved the way for her. The likes of Baby Cham, Bounty Killer, Dave Kelly, Heavy D, Sean Paul, Shaggy, and Professor Nuts were all celebrated for their influence on her journey. It was a rare glimpse into the queen’s kingdom, revealing the inspirations behind her reign.
One of the night’s most touching moments came when Bounty Killer, the ‘Warlord’, took the stage. Reminiscing about his first encounter with a young Spice, Bounty Killer revealed that he initially had no intention of mentoring up-and-coming artistes, but described their meeting as nothing short of destiny.
“You blew us out of the sky,” he said, recalling the moment he realised Spice was destined for greatness. “I think I told you, you were going to be a dancehall queen, and God is surely working gracefully on you ‘graciously Gracie.'”
Bounty Killer’s heartfelt speech didn’t stop there. He thanked Spice for recognising his contributions to the industry, a gesture, he noted, is rare in the often cut-throat world of music. “I never do it for a token, but when someone remembers the good you’ve done, it is glorious,” he said, before declaring that Spice had never lost her edge in her 25 years of dominance. His call for fans to support dancehall by purchasing albums was a poignant reminder of the genre’s need for loyal support to thrive on the global stage.
Mirror 25 is more than just an album; it’s a testament to Spice’s relentless dedication to dancehall. The night was peppered with personal anecdotes from Spice herself, who shared the highs and lows of creating the album. She even went a step further by honouring media houses with commemorative plaques, recognising their unwavering support throughout her career. It was a classy move that showed Spice’s appreciation for the people who have championed her from the start.
During the celebrations, Magnum Tonic Wine marked its 25th anniversary by presenting Spice with a stunning silver jubilee plaque. This gesture was not just a nod to her achievements, but also a celebration of Magnum’s deep-rooted connection to dancehall culture. Brandon Wallace, Magnum’s brand manager, lauded the event as a “serendipitous yet welcomed occasion”, noting the synergy between Spice’s journey and Magnum’s evolution in supporting dancehall talent.
“It is certainly a special moment for Spice and Magnum as we each celebrate 25 years. Our partnership with dancehall artistes will definitely continue; we aim to expand our reach , supporting both emerging talents and stalwarts. Mirror 25 is a great body of work and we look forward to her making greater moves for many more years to come,” he said.
