Richie Spice

Born Richell Bonner in the Kingston suburb of St Andrew, JA, Richie Spice came from a family with a history of music. There was his older brother, Pliers, of deejay/singer duo Chaka Demus and ‘Murder She Wrote’ fame. But it was brother, singer Spanner Banner (best known for his mid-nineties hit “Life Goes On” and now a member of the 5th Element record family) who initially brought young Spice to the recording studio. Although the hopeful singer didn’t get the opportunity to record there, it opened his eyes to the proficiency that is required to succeed in the reggae industry. “It was a strong learning experience,” he recalls. “I tried to record but it seemed like maybe I just wasn’t ready. But it show me that there is a lot of work to be done so you just do what is necessary until you reach that space where you are supposed to be.” And so the young reggae soldier marched on.