Internationally recognized as the Queen of Dancehall, Grace Hamilton, professionally known as ‘Spice’ says her recipe for a successful collaboration goes far beyond putting two artists on the same track. For her, it’s about connecting with like-minded creatives who share her energy, work ethic, and dedication to the craft.
“I go off energy and vibe,” Spice explained. “When you’re collaborating with another artist, they need to fit into your niche, match your vibe and your energy, and understand your audience. I always tell people, it’s important to work with like-minded artists like yourself.”
Over her career, Spice has teamed up with some of dancehall and reggae’s biggest names, including Vybz Kartel, Shaggy, and Sean Paul, collaborations that have helped cement her as one of the genre’s most influential figures.
Reflecting on one of her most successful projects, Go Down Deh with Shaggy and Sean Paul, now boasting over 300 million streams, Spice credited the hit to their shared professionalism.
“We had so many similarities in our work ethic. I remember waking up at 6 am to do Good Morning America, then press runs and interviews. Not every artist will do that. You have to make sure you’re working with professional artists if you want a successful collaboration.”
She shared that her collaboration with Vybz Kartel on the breakout hit Romping Shop was another example of how creative chemistry and mutual respect can propel a song to iconic status. “When the energy is right, the music speaks for itself,” she said.
Most recently, Spice and Vybz Kartel shared the stage at the St. Kitts Music Festival, delivering a powerful performance that left fans buzzing. The set has already been dubbed Kartel’s best performance since returning to touring following his long prison stint, a moment that highlighted the undeniable chemistry and star power the two bring when they share a stage.
For Spice, the behind-the-scenes grind, from music video shoots to interviews, promotional campaigns, and international media tours, is as important as the music itself.
“It takes a lot of work and effort.
That’s why, when I look at collaborations, I go beyond the face of the artist. I think about whether working with them will truly be a success, because it’s not just about the song, it’s about the person behind it too.”
As the reigning Queen of Dancehall, Spice’s track record shows that when talent, professionalism, and shared passion come together, the results can be global hits that stand the test of time.
