As Jamaica celebrates its Independence today, so too does female dancehall artiste, Spice. The artiste has unleashed a brand new album called, Mirror 25, and says she wants fans to share in her birthday celebration by simply pre-ordering her new, independently delivered album. “Before you wish me Happy Birthday, if you really mean it, and want me to be “Happy” go click the link in my bio and Pre-Order my Album Mirror 25. That’s all I want for my birthday,” she wrote in a social media post.

On July 26th, the artiste unveiled her third single and music video, ‘Ex Boyfriend’ off the album, which is set for release on August 9th. The track features a fusion of pop and dancehall and was written by the entertainer herself. A media release issued on the song’s release, explains that the single is the “perfect motto for women’s empowerment.” It goes on to highlight that Spice uses her influence as an artist to tackle issues of domestic violence and toxicity in relationships. “This song is important for me as it creates an important conversation surrounding how women should value themselves and not settle for less,”  said Spice. “I wanted to remind women that it’s ok to have an ex boyfriend if their current relationship has red flags and that includes domestic and emotional abuse. Throughout my 25 years in music, advocating liberation and strength to women has been crucial for me,” she added.

Spice further noted that the topics of domestic and emotional abuse in relationships, is a tough conversation, that no one wants to have.” I’ve been caught in domestic violence situations before, and walked away without hesitation. I need women to sing this song with ease, knowing with that same intention that it’s that easy to walk away and move on from toxic relationships.“

Lamenting what seems to be an unending tribulation faced by many women in relationships, the dancehall artiste says she wants her fans to learn something important from this particular song and the video. “I want viewers and my besties to watch this video and understand the realities of what at times transpires between certain couples, and that they don’t have to tolerate violence in relationships. I want to be the voice for empowering women to leave toxic relationships,” she said.

On Friday, August 9, 2024, the album, Mirror 25 will be released through the artiste’s label, Spice Official Entertainment with distribution through Empire. The album will be a raw, open diary of Spice’s tribulations and triumphs and a look into the past and future of her steady impact, all while commemorating her 25 years in the industry as an international recording artist. 

The journey to where he’s at hasn’t been an easy one, but for Carriacou native, Skinny Banton, delivering ‘feel good’ music remains his greatest focus. Grenada’s Spice Mas is underway and with four Soca releases, the entertainer says he’ll be heading home. He however admits that his mind isn’t in its usual place, his family having lost their home in the devastation caused by Hurricane Beryl.

Massive displacement in Carriacou.

Banton, whose real name is Shirlan George, says he was in Grenada when the hurricane tore through both Carriacou and Petite Martinique. “The approach this time around, where carnival is concerned, is a little different because of the responsibility towards the reality, and the responsibility towards the carnival. Carriacou has been devastated,” he reiterated, telling Ebuzztt that he has bigger responsibilities to bear.

Skinny Banton was the artiste who’s single ‘Soak It Good’ in 2014, catapulted him from relatively unknown Caribbean entertainer, to regional mainstay. He has since followed up with many other great songs, inclusive of ‘Wrong Again’, ‘Take It,’ and ‘Dab Dem’ among others. This year, ‘In Meh Feelings,’ ‘Today,’ ‘ Start De Jouvert’ and ‘Yard Fowl,’ are as entertaining as they are sweet on the ear. “I feel like ‘In Meh Feelings’ didn’t get a lot of attention but the truth is, being outside of Grenada, in terms of promoting the music, is tough.”

Following the passage of Hurricane Beryl, Banton had to return to the US to fulfill performance commitments. He however returned to Carriacou after that, helping where he could in the aftermath of the devastation. “The situation isn’t the same when considering going home. Focusing on carnival is one thing, but the daily activities of trying to put the structures together for those who live there – they need support and help,” he admitted. When he returned to the US, the artiste organized a fund raiser, which he says, was successful. “A lot of donations and contributions have been coming in but it’s not like a one time thing. Carriacou is always going to need the support. They are dependent on Grenada. Everything we want or need has to be sent by boat,” he explained.