INTERVIEW
Interview by : Alexandre Tonus
Pictures by : Benoit Collin
on Sunday, December 12th 2004 - 14 417 views
He is the star of the Fifth Element Crew. Yet from the first encounter, Richie Spice strikes one with his calm and discretion. He has come a long way and been through trials since his first album " Universal ", on whose sleeve he appeared smiling and carefree. His track Earth a run red is a smash in all four corners of the globe, which does not stop him from keeping a cool head firmly on his shoulders. On the occasion of the launch of his new album on the English market, we went to meet him to take stock with him. Richie Spice, the new roots reggae artist of the moment.
Reggaefrance / Richie Spice, thank you very much. It's a real honour for me. Can you start by introducing yourself to the French, telling them where you come from and who you are?
Richie Spice / May France be blessed by the love of God. Praise for life, praise for every living being who walks or crawls before me. This is Richie Spice speaking to you, direct from Kingston, Jamaica. Richie Spice of the Fifth Element camp; we have Chuck Fender, Anthony Cruz, Spanner Banner and myself, Richie Spice. I've just produced a new CD, “Spice In Your Life”. With it, you can bring Richie Spice into your life. I come from a big musical family, in which you have Pliers, my youngest brother Snatcha, Spanner Banner and myself, Richie Spice.
As you've just told us, you come from a big musical family. You're certainly the most cultural and the most singjay of the family; how did you choose that style?
My whole career has been inspired by reggae, coming straight from his majesty, God the Almighty. Being born into this family, with these blood ties, it's as if he manifested in me. I've been lucky enough to be able to address the world and I've always tried to do it in a positive way. When I write a song, I tell myself it has to be something that uplifts spiritually, something to uplift the younger generations. I always turn to the younger generations, because in a couple of years, they're the ones who will be running the world. I wouldn't like it if, in a couple of years, the music I make guided young people towards destruction. In 10 years, it's meant to have guided them towards virtue; which means it uplifts them spiritually and the whole world moves towards a more serious level.
Can you tell us about your first single, Killing a sound, for Dennis Hayes?
One day, Spanner took me to the studio, at Tuff Gong. I met Dennis at Star and I recorded that song the same day. It wasn't really the start for me, but it was my first recording, when I began to understand that my thing could appeal to people. Since then I've never stopped, I've carried on until now.
You also have a first album out, “Universal”. It was for Heartbeat. I read that you worked with your sister to produce that album; does that mean your sister is in the music business too? Does the whole family work in music?
Yes, “Universal”, for Heartbeat Records. That sister who worked on the album, when the album came out, that sister died. She was the only one of my sisters who played a part in music, but after the album, she died, so... But it's true that it's almost all music in the family; I have another brother, called Mykal Banner, who writes. Our whole life is dedicated to music.
Can you tell me about the Earth a run red phenomenon? Because that song already appeared on “Universal”, it's a bit of an old song, but its success is very recent; how would you explain that?
When I do my work, I don't do it for the short term, I do it to last. I simply write words that are right and virtuous, in the inspiring sense. This song is spiritual, it touches you spiritually. I put this song out for the youths.
Don't you also think that one of the reasons the song is doing well right now is because the earth is in an even worse state than when you wrote it?
Yes. When I write songs, I sometimes happen to predict things. Some are a little visionary.
And is that why the song also appears on your new album, “Spice In Your Life”?
That song didn't get the justice it deserved, the recognition. And it's today that people are asking for that song. So it's to give it the justice it deserves that it's on the new album.
Can you now tell us about the Fifth Element? How did you join them? Where did you meet Chuck Fender and Anthony Cruz?
I met Chuck Fender when I was in Miami. He told me about his project and it interested me, because at the time I was mostly working on my own and I thought it would be good to get management. When I came back to Jamaica, my decision was made and so I joined them.
Do you take part in creating the label's riddims? Because on instrumentals like the I swear, you get the feeling the riddim was made for you...
No, I don't take part in the riddims. But each time, I try to make songs that fit the instrumental well, so as to please people, so that they speak to them spiritually.
Two sides to your style can be distinguished; you seem as comfortable making cultural songs as love songs for the girls. Do you prefer one style or the other?
No, they're two sides that go in the same direction. When I sing for the girls, on songs like That ghetto girl, I don't disrespect them, I'm singing to uplift them spiritually too. I don't do what you could call “gal tunes”, I never have lyrics that are improper towards girls.
To finish, what are your plans? Will we see you in France soon? You were booked this summer, but we never saw you; do you have any details to give on that?
Yes, I wanted to tell the people of France that I'm sorry about that. It's not my fault. The organisers made a mess of the visas and I couldn't leave Jamaica. I'm truly sorry. I hope we can set it up again very soon. If you want to get acquainted with Richie Spice, buy the album, “Spice In Your Life”, you'll know more. Stay tuned for the Fifth Element. Respect your neighbour and walk in the love of the Almighty.
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