KINGSTON, Jamaica – JAMAICAN Reggae artiste Richie Spice, whose real name is Richell Bonner, comes from a family of successful musician brothers.
Spice and his three brothers ‘Spanner Banner’, ‘Pliers’ (from the group Chaka Demus and Pliers) and Snatcha Lion are popularly known in Jamaica as the Bonner Brothers.
The Jamaica Gleaner recently wrote an article titled “The Bonner Brothers Bond” and stated that in the world of reggae music, few families rival the Bonner Brothers in international music success.
Richie Spice has been blazing ever since his hit single ‘Earth a Run Red’ which was released in November 2004.
Spice began his career opening his brothers' shows and started recording singles with producers like Clive Hunt and Dennis ‘Star’ Hayles in the mid-'90s. His debut album, ‘Out of the Blue’, arrived soon after, and his second, Universal, was released in 2000.
Some of his most famous songs include, ‘Youth Dem Cold’, ‘Groovin', My Girl’, ‘Earth A Run Red’, ‘Marijuana’ and ‘Brown Skin’.
Joseph Bonner a.k.a. Spanner Banner always wanted to be a vocal performer. His chance came when he began singing on the Bidia sound system based in Rock Hall, St. Andrew.
The positive feedback he received through these sessions encouraged him to continue toward his goal.
The initial portion of that goal was reached in 1989, when his first recorded song, the self-penned ‘Life Goes On’ single, became an immediate number one in Jamaica. It was recorded for producer Winston Riley, longtime member of the foundation vocal trio, the Techniques. The success of the single warranted the recording of a full album, which was soon released as ‘Life Goes On’.
According to the Gleaner, he is now promoting his new album ‘I'm A Winner’, which comes eight years after his last studio effort. He is said to have experienced a balanced musical career with his most successful studio effort in the form of ‘What We Need Is Love’.
Born Everton Bonner, ‘Pliers’ was a member of the Jamaican duo Chaka Demus and Pliers that was the first Jamaican act to have three consecutive Top Five hits on the UK Singles Chart; a record unsurpassed until Shaggy scored four consecutive Top Five hits in 2001.
Pliers is presently on a European tour with Chaka Demus who released their latest album ‘So Proud’ on October 6, 2008.
Glenroy Bonner, known as Snatcha Lion, is said to be a singjay who delivers his message with a hard-core edge.
According to the Gleaner, he is the youngest one coming up in the musical family, and he recognises the challenge ahead as a result of that.
But contrary, he believes his new singles ‘No War’, ‘Creation’ and ‘Love Boat’ would leave an indelible impression on listeners.
He told the Gleaner that all his brothers have chipped in with advice and he made it clear that he is coming with his own style.
Spice believes that music is a teaching tool and young people are listening. He also believes that upcoming reggae artistes lack opportunity and guidance.
“More opportunities are needed for these artistes to explore because there are a lot of young artistes out there,” he told the Gleaner.
Currently, Spice is working on a new 12-track album with Penthouse's Donovan Germaine, set to be released by VP Records.
Jamaica News