(JAMAICA OBSERVER) Last week’s social media frenzy over Dancehall star Spice’s new “bleached look” spilled over into the opening of the Senate’s annual “State of the Nation Debate” on Friday, as government member, Senator Kerensia Morrison, made no bones about her support for the controversial DJ.
It was not only strange that Senator Morrison, a first time government member of the so-called “Upper House”, was opening the Senate’s most important annual debate despite her lack of experience, but also amazing how she continues to fearlessly address issues which are often non-political but usually emotive and topical.
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Her recent comments about the need for the public to be allowed to defend themselves against criminal gangsters in their communities, as well as her passionate appeal for Jamaicans in the Diaspora to stop supporting the export of weapons to Jamaican inner city communities are recent examples of her plainness.
“I am proud to applaud Grace Hamilton, known to the (music) industry as Spice, on her amazing achievement. One million views in 24 hours, number one on the US and UK Reggae iTunes chart with the song, “Black Hypocrisy” that is shaking the ground in entertainment,” she told the Senate.
“It is a song which challenges, among other issues, the problem of ‘colourism’. She has pushed the boundaries with this song, bringing out an issue that many would like to pretend does not exist,” she commented.
“I use this platform to commend Spice: Spice indicator, you have indicated to our youths that they should love the skin that they are in and embrace who they are. You have chosen a potent and effective way to bring a timely message across. Self-esteem, especially among our youths, is indeed a serious issue that we must address,” Morrison noted.
“I applaud Spice for using her platform to promote self-love. Big up Spice, our melanin queen from Jamaica who is doing well,” she added.
Senator Morrison noted that the entertainment is a multi-billion dollar industry, and local entertainers should be encouraged to “strive beyond the Jamaican stage”, and that continued support be given in counselling and management to get it right.
“Doing well in the industry demands more than having a great talent, it is also about knowing and navigating a challenging international industry. We commend our entertainers for flying the colours of our nation wherever they go. It is also timely to remind our entertainers that our children adore them. they latch on to their lyrics, they copy all their moves, so they are in a strong position help us to influence our children in a positive way,” she argued.
Incidentally, Spice’s “new bleached look” has been identified as a fake look to help promote the song, “Black Hypocrisy”, which deals with pain she suffered from being mocked for her black features and is likely to be featured in a new album.