The reigning Queen of Dancehall, Spice, shocked the world when she debuted a “new look” on Instagram today. Spice recently deleted all of her pictures from Instagram leaving fans asking why? Today, she re-appeared with what looked like newly bleached skin — resembling Marlon and Shawn Wayans from the movie White Chicks. In an exclusive Instagram LIVE video where she was interview by well known Reggae/Dancehall journalist Pat Meschino, Spice revealed her new look in promotion for her new mixtape called Captured.
So why the new look? Spice is highlighting –pun intended– a few key issues that are impacting her as a person and as an artist. Color-ism, class-ism and lack respect for women of darker skin complexion. Spice has never been afraid to “talk di tings dem” she’s been extremely vocal about the challenges with her record label, continuing to make music for the fans regardless of contractual disputes. As Spice continues to grow her brand and cement her legacy, she is putting it all in the music.
The lead single “Black Hypocrisy” off the mixtape Captured dives into the colorism she’s faced as an artist, she’s holding nothing back. In the interview, Spice specifically talks how her skin color has been a topic of conversation stating she heard comments from her own black people like, “Why she so black,” “She black til she look dirty” and“She black ’til she shine” she wanted to give the fans what they want to push the conversation even further. Skin bleaching has become a common, yet silent beauty practice for marginalized black and brown communities across the Caribbean, Latin-American, African and South Asian regions. While many are trying to change the beauty standard there’s still a lot of work to be done to change the minds of many, since the birth of colorism is rooted in colonialism.
In true comedic fashion, many of her fans have jumped in on the #SpiceChallenge , reposting pictures of themselves with white-face. While the new look is a marketing tool to garner attention, Spice is showing the world that there are still deep-rooted issues when it comes to colorism in the black community and she’s using her platform to not only share her experience but also keeping the controversial topic at the forefront. What are your thoughts on Spice’s latest?
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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