Spragga Benz: 2022 In Review

Final of a six part series.

He sat, reflective, watching the gold-rimmed century-old clock making a continuous t-i-c-k-i-n-g sound, the shorthand nearing 2023.

His silence breaks on the Reggae-Vibes site.

“Looking back, 2022 was a glorious year. A year that anyone in my shoes would be proud of. I am thinking of four great moments, so far this year,” Spragga Benz mused.

“The first is the premiere of the movie Second Chance. It happened on five different occasions with standing ovations. This was in Atlanta, Miami, Boston, and New York. And then Jamaica, where it never rains but pours.”

“What joyous moments to know that Redsquare Production, from the guts of innercity Dunkirk (given name Mcintyre Villa), could have co-produced such a staple as this movie.”

“Pitching Second Chance is a testament to the wealth of knowledge and creativity that is untapped in Jamaica.”

“The movie has given characters like Bumpy RedSquare, who plays the promoter, the opportunity of making his signature Ice Cream Sundaze known worldwide.”

“Sumfest was super as I got the opportunity to perform with my longtime friends, and the unity was very profound.”

“I cannot easily forget, ‘Once Upon A Time.’ Sounds pretty much like a bedtime story or from our queen of folklore, the late Hon. Louise Bennett Coverley.”

“This production gave me the opportunity to work with veteran artistes including Marcia Griffiths and Beres Hammond.”

He turned his eyes and looked closer at the clock. The shorthand is almost touching 2023.

“One of my big focuses for 2023 is working on another movie. I am holding the details, like a card man holding his obvious winner close to his chest.”

“The next project is releasing a riddim-driven album with Redsquare production artistes, a collaboration with young artistes, and a combination with past JCDC (Jamaica Cultural Development Commission) 2012 Festival song winner Abby Dallas.”

Lest I forget, I will be pushing hard “Remember To Pray,” a collaboration with Bounty Killer.

Have yourselves a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

(Photos contributed by Spragga Benz/Red Square Production)