Tongues are wagging about dancehall artiste Spice’s awkward performance on Saturday night at the National Indoor Stadium. At an event honoring our athletes. Spice performed two of her hits,So Me Like It and Indicator, to an obviously lifeless and judgmental audience.

The event boasted notable attendees, including Governor General Patrick Allen, Shelly-Ann Fraser, Yohan Blake, Usain Bolt, our Prime Minister Andrew Holness and his wife, Juliet.

Spice started her performance with her unique vibrant energy only for the crowd to remain stiff as they shifted uncomfortably, cast uncertain glances and offered uneasy smiles. To say the situation was embarrassing would be a severe understatement. Some persons argue that had Spice performed subtle songs, or something more suitable for that audience and event, she would not have received such a response. To this I ask, does Spice have any subtle songs in her discography? She does not.Romping Shop – a song with remarkably lewd lyrics which forced the Broadcasting Commission into action. There has never been anything formal or subtle about Spice.Indicator. These dancers were well received. Spice was definitely shortchanged, and an apology is definitely due for this horrifying experience.

We know Spice for her colored hair, raunchy lyrics and bold behavior. This is who she is as a performer. Spice is easily one of the most successful female dancehall artists and has well over ten years of experience in her field. In case onlookers have forgotten, we first truly noticed Spice when she collaborated with the now incarcerated Vybz Kartel on

Grace Hamilton is a professional, when she is hired as Spice, she does her job – which is to perform as Spice. This is exactly what happened at the event. Those responsible for planning and organizing the event are entirely to blame. Considering Spice’s discography and the blatant hypocrisy in our society, Spice should not have been on the premises any at all. Many of the persons who had stiff faces while she was performing probably dance and listen to (and enjoy) her music in the comfort of their homes. They, however, would be unappreciative of a reminder of this aspect of our culture at a formal event for which they had gotten all dressed up.

It certainly did not help that she had to come on after Kevin Downswell’s powerful gospel performance. Whose idea could this have been? Who thought that there could be a smooth transition from one performer in a suit praising God to another performer singing about their body “being right” with their buttocks on display? Ironically enough, after Spice’s brief exit, a group of dancers performed to her song

Nonetheless, it is a lesson to Spice and all of our other artists. This lesson is that versatility is key. Despite their chosen genre, artists must ensure that they are able to perform at different types of events and for various audiences. This means that they must broaden their catalogue – even if only by two or three songs, making themselves more marketable. With so many years in the business, this is something Spice should have done and it would have certainly saved her the embarrassment of having to sing a cappella to an audience that hardly appreciated her presence