SPRAGGA Benz is hailing 2022 as a good year for and is expecting an even better 2023.

“There were some great moments for me in 2022 and these were shared with the very people who have been my fans and my music colleagues for over 30 years. Reggae Sumfest was a highlight which featured the iconic Dave Kelly’s Madhouse Production and brought together a group of artistes which will always be remembered as a part of history — and I am referring to Bounty Killer, Beenie Man, Wayne Wonder, Cham, Frisco Kidd, and Louie Culture. I am so happy that I was part of that history-making showcase at Sumfest, Catherine Hall, last year July. There was so much love and energy released from that dancehall era that I felt we could have gone another 30 minutes or more into daylight. Then, there was the 20th anniversary of Shottas which coincided with the release of another movie, Second Chance,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

Second Chance premiered at the Carib 5 cinema in July 2022. Prior to that, it had a Florida screening.

In Second Chance, Spragga Benz plays David, a qualified Rastafararian whose hopes of securing a job in corporate America is shattered because of his religion. Frustrated, he joins past schoolmates in a life of drugs and guns which brings him to the brink of death. He realises in time to change his life through his Christian upbringing and is given a second chance to make his life and that of others better.

Spragga Benz hopes this year will even more fulfilling.

“For 2023 it will be more music and another movie on my agenda. The music will include a rhythm-driven album solely with Red Square artistes, produced by Red Square — a name of which I am so proud of because it emerged from the guts of the inner city. This is a testament that one can achieve despite being poor but ambitious in life. Another project will be collaborating with young artistes to continue being relevant with the changing music. And, of course, look out for my album titled, Once Upon a Time. In terms of another movie, that too is on my 2023 plate,” he said.

Spragga Benz, born Carlton Grant, grew up in McIntyre Villa (popular known as Dunkirk) in Kingston. He became one of the most popular deejays of the 90s, releasing a slew of songs including Jack It Up, Coulda Deal, Girls Hooray and She Nuh Ready Yet.

Among his albums are Jack It Up, Fully Loaded, Uncommonly Smooth, Chiliagon and The Journey Chosen.