I strongly believe that the organisers, sponsors, and just everyone who had a say in coordinating the celebrations for the Jamaican Olympic athletes on Saturday, October 15, at the National Indoor Sport Centre should formally apologise to international dancehall artiste Grace Hamilton, popularly known as Spice.

Firstly, everyone knows the type of artiste Spice is, and well, she is never afraid to show it. She is that vibrant female artiste with those raunchy lyrics, daring behaviour and multicoloured hair and attire. Her outer demeanour screams sex; not saying she’s a sensual person, but that’s the character she embodies when she’s onstage.

So we know this, it’s highly unlikely for you to hear one of her songs and not get insight on this. Therefore, the people booking her for this event must have had an idea of the catalogue of songs she would have had to select from for her performance.

Secondly, those putting on this event would have known the ‘noteworthy’ guests who would be in attendance, names which I would rather not mention, but they are people of ‘great significance’, who would rather feel ‘uncomfortable’ watching Spice perform.

Thirdly, to make this unfortunate phenomenon even worse, the artiste was scheduled to perform after gospel artiste, Kevin Downswell. How can you schedule Spice, knowing the kind of flavour she brings, after a gospel artiste? This transition was poor, and again the organisers are to be blamed. Is this the first event they have ever organised? Honestly, I would like to know.

Ironically, following Spice’s rather embarrassing performance, the dance group that followed performed to one of Spice’s latest popular songs,

Indicator. The dance group, unlike Spice, however, was well received. Was this by chance?

Many would say it’s Spice’s fault for not broadening her catalogue to include songs from other genres, with less raunchy lyrics that would have been more suitable for this occasion, but I say that’s rubbish. It is the organisers’ fault.

Spice appeals to a certain type of audience. She strategically positions and markets herself and the Spice brand over the years as that female artiste with those sexually charged, vibrant, highly lyrical dancehall songs. And she has made her fair share doing this; never had she gone ahead and done otherwise.

So those people who were laughing, hiding their faces and turning up their prim and proper noses during her performance, please remember Spice is just an alter ego and it is far from the type person who Grace Hamilton truly is. And, based on my observation, Grace Hamilton is a proud Jamaican, who is well travelled and tries to spread Brand Jamaica wherever she goes. She is a wonderful mother, daughter and friend.

What’s even disappointing is the fact that some of them are the same people who listen to her songs in the privacy of their homes and cars, some of them even ‘rave’ to them in the clubs and at parties, yet they were there acting as if they are better than her and belittling the brand she worked hard to build.

Let’s not forget it is the same Spice who, just a few weeks ago, assisted 10 students with their back-to-school supplies, books, bags, uniform, the whole works. Those raunchy songs provided for her enough that she could have assisted someone — 10 ‘someones’ at that. Many of you there in the audience bad-mouthing her can afford to assist someone but have never lifted a hand to do so, but she did.

Some say she could have declined the offer to perform, I say that’s rubbish as well. If you book Spice it is obvious you want her to ‘lively up’ the crowd, bring a different flavour. I would assume this was what Spice thought she was about to do when she was booked, and not the unjust reception she was faced with.

I say the organisers needs to apologise. And they need to apologise now!

This unfortunate incident that has somehow stained Spice’s career could have been avoided — a career she has worked very hard to build in spite of many difficulties. Those who are in the dancehall business know it is not easy for a female artiste to rise to such a level as Spice has. So organisers, please apologise, so we can put this all behind us.

I say kudos to Spice for remaining professional throughout your performance despite the hand you were dealt. It takes someone with great strength and vitality to have done so. Continue to hold your head high.

stephchambers876@gmail.com