S.P.I.C.E! That’s her name! Dancehall artiste Spice continues to grow her fan base with her vibrant personality and stellar performances.

Spice was born Grace Latoya Hamilton on August 6, 1982. The entertainer, who grew up in Portmore, St Catherine, knew from a tender age that she wanted to be a performer.

Since entering the music industry in the early 2000s, the artiste has been busy making a name for herself, both in and outside of the industry.

Despite doing music for over two decades, Spice still continues to put in the work it takes to keep her on top.

All the hard work is certainly paying off. The So Mi Like It singer was recently named the most streamed female dancehall artiste globally on YouTube in 2022.

The artiste also made the top 10 most streamed dancehall artistes on the platform across the globe, a true testament to her global star power.

She made history with her 2022 Grammy nomination. She is the first ‘hardcore’ female dancehall artiste to be nominated in the Best Reggae Album category. The nomination was presented for her long-awaited debut album, 10.

From starring on popular American reality TV show Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta to launching her own clothing line, Spice is doing it all and shows no sign of slowing down.

Here are five things you might not have known about dancehall artiste Spice.

1. Music to the core!

Did you know that Spice was a frequent contestant at JCDC events?

Yes, her love for music saw her participating in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Festival, earning her several medals in the music category over the years.

The entertainer even enrolled in the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts to study music and drama before her exploration of the dancehall industry took off.

2. Stage debut

The queen of stage made her debut in 2000 when she was given the chance to perform at popular dancehall festival, Sting.

It marked her first major appearance on a stage show, where she earned several encores from the crowd. No surprise there, given her usual extravagant performances many have come to know and love.

3. Spice x Candy!

Time after time, Spice surprises her fans with her many talents. In 2014, the artiste took to the big screen to showcase her acting skills.

Spice starred as Candy in her first theatrical feature film, Destiny. The Jamaican film featured several other local actors and entertainers.

4. A woman for the people…

Spice is a self-made entrepreneur who has established several businesses over the years. She is also a philanthropist who believes in helping those less fortunate.

In 2018, Spice founded the Grace Hamilton Women Empowerment Foundation (GHWEF). The foundation’s main aim is to enrich women through education, business and entrepreneurship. 

Over the years, the artiste has given back to several communities through her foundation.

5. Home away from home

The entertainer lived with her grandparents in Finsbury Park in London when she was a child and attended school there before returning home to Jamaica.

Bonus!

Spice is a past student of St Catherine High School.

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