Dancehall Star Spice Faces Backlash Over School Tour

Dancehall star Spice’s attempt to take a message of self-worth and positive choices into Jamaican schools has sparked a heated debate over whether she is the right person to deliver it.

The singer, whose real name is Grace Hamilton, launched her “Ohhhh No School Tour” at Waterford High School in Portmore, St Catherine, in January 2025. Inspired by her song “Hell No,” the initiative was intended to encourage young people to resist peer pressure, avoid harmful behaviour and recognise their own value.

Spice said she wanted to address young people directly because of concerns about social-media trends and entertainment that can encourage substance abuse, unsafe sexual behaviour and other risky choices.

“I felt like it was important for me to step in and let people realise that whether or not you like these words from the song Hell No, it is important to instil the message in our young adolescents,” Spice told The Star.

But the tour quickly encountered opposition from parents, church groups and other community voices. Stewart Jacobs, president of the National Parent-Teacher Association of Jamaica, strongly objected to Spice appearing in schools, pointing to her sexually explicit lyrics and public image.

Jacobs argued that Spice lacked the moral authority to address students and said schools should not provide her with a platform. His criticism reflected wider concerns about the influence of popular culture on Jamaican children.

The controversy intensified as some schools cancelled planned appearances, bringing the tour to an early end. Spice had originally intended to visit 10 schools, although she said more than 60 had expressed interest.

Not everyone agreed with the criticism. Waterford High’s acting principal, Shaun Simpson, defended the visit, saying students responded positively to seeing the entertainer in a different role. At St Catherine High School, Spice’s alma mater, acting principal Errol Martin also welcomed her appearance and highlighted the message of self-worth and resilience delivered to students.

The disagreement eventually reached government and church leaders. Following discussions, Spice explained that the tour was a motivational speaking initiative rather than a performance. Government officials said the visits did not involve her performing her music or wearing costumes.

The episode has left Jamaica debating a difficult question: can an entertainer known for controversial material also become a credible voice for young people? For Spice, the answer appears to depend not only on the message, but on whether the public is prepared to separate the artist from the woman seeking to deliver it.

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