Spice steps away from Groovin In The Park lineup
Queen of Dancehall Spice has announced that she will not be gracing the stage at Sunday’s staging of Groovin In The Park at the Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York.
“I Grace Spice Hamilton would like to announce with deep regret that I will no longer be performing at Groovin in the Park 2023,” she said on Monday night in an IG post.
She did not share actual details of her decision to nix her performance from the popular show.
“For multiple reasons beyond my control, I would like to apologize to all my loyal besties who was (sic) anticipating seeing me there and I personally would like to extend this apology to the event promoter who was extremely professional during this time. I take full accountability for this decision. I anticipate a great show with the original line up and I’m sure it will be a successful event as always, I love you all #QueenOfDancehall.”
The show also features a host of artistes such as the former Queen of Dancehall Minister Marion Hall, Charlie Wilson, Tarrus Riley, Wayne Wonder, Frisco Kid and Cham.
Spice and Hall have shared a cantankerous relationship over the years. In 2022, Hall had taken to social media to implore Spice, Shenseea and Jada Kingdom to stop their “race to hell”. Spice replied in a lengthy video where she labelled Hall as being ‘bad mind’, a Jamaican aphorism that suggests jealousy and envy.
The announcement provoked the usual rabble rousers and conspiracy theorists who crawled out of the woodwork to offer revelatory gems like: ‘Cause pastor?’. Another social media wit said provocatively: ‘Awww is it bc Marion Hall will be there @spiceofficial?”
Others expressed disappointment that there would not be some sort of rapprochement between the two performers.
One user said: “honestly, I was hoping to see the two beautiful and strong black ladies join hands on stage and mend friendship. That was one of my main reasons for going’.
Another said: “I’m very disappointed, just got my VIP ticket. Was hoping you two could’ve reconciled your differences right there on stage in front of millions of ppl. That would’ve been dope!!!!!!!!!! ”.
One even attempted to psychoanalyze the decision, saying: “If she won’t perform, kudos to her. Sometimes in life, to protect your peace you have to step aside or avoid situations that are not deemed valuable of one’s time.”
