Pliers, Richie Spice, Spanna Banna “Emotions” (RIP Aunt Vie)

​@LeoOReggio
This is one of the videos I sincerely full joyed producing and directing. It is truly filled with the emotions of a family filled with pure love, and, just as the brothers did when they made the song and video, years ago, I now re-dedicate it to Violet Bonner (Aunt Vie), their mother. The filming was at the matriarchal home of the brothers, in the cool and salubrious Rock Hall community, Red Hills, St. Andrew, Jamaica. The song and video are a fitting tribute to their mother. In the world of reggae music, few families rival the Bonner brothers in international music success.

The Gleaner caught up with the brothers, which includes Richie Spice (Richell Bonner), to talk about their various life challenges, their thoughts on music’s current state, and their upcoming projects.

Richie Spice’s musical talents were kept quiet until his smash hit Earth A Run Red was released in November 2004 on Fifth Element Records. He has so far enjoyed most of the individual success compared to his brothers but was very humble when reflecting on his accomplishments.

Pliers, born Everton, was a recognized act during the late 1980s but earned international attention when he teamed with Chaka Demus in the early 1990s, their most popular production is Murder She Wrote.
The duo was the first Jamaican act to have three consecutive top-five hits on the UK Singles Chart, which was surpassed by Shaggy when he recorded four number ones during 2001.

Spanner Banner, christened as Joseph, has experienced a balanced music career and got his first major recognition from the single Life Goes On, which was produced by Winston Riley. Later, he had his most successful studio effort in the form of What We Need Is Love.

The eldest, Jah Mikes, born Michael, takes on the managerial role, and is the catalyst of Bonner Cornerstone Music, which was formed in 1995. One of his greatest achievements was pioneering Richie Spice’s career, making it an irresistible force to be reckoned with.

Glenroy Bonner, performing as Snatcha Lion, is a singjay, says he recognizes the challenge ahead of being the youngest one coming up from the musical family.

All of the Bonner brothers grew up with parents Violet and Ivan in Rock Hall, St Andrew, and have a shared passion for reggae music.
“I feel really good to know all my brothers are involved in music,” said Pliers, who spoke to The Gleaner via telephone as he was on a European tour with Chaka Demus. “I encourage and help them along the way. It seems that we have carried on well the music tradition in our family.”

While the Bonner family may be OK musically, the music, they believe, is going through a transitional phase, particularly with the local dominance of dancehall. “The reggae message can’t die. It’s a creativity that comes from the Almighty God. The thing is that if there is a popular style, most young artistes might take on to it,” said Spanner Banner.

“Reggae music is more creative and it’s not so much about the beat as in other genres. The messages have to be strong,” he said. “Music is a teaching tool and youngsters listen to it. More opportunities are needed for these artists to explore because there are a lot of young artists out there,” said Richie Spice.

Richie Spice also said he believes some of the content in dancehall music was contributing negatively to society. Although the current pace is being set by dancehall artists locally, Richie Spice said that it is overseas where reggae has flourished. “People are recognizing and accepting reggae music more. It’s music with a positive force and it represents life to the fullest. Dancehall music is a lot different,” he pointed out.

Spanner Banner recalled the years when they grew up in humble circumstances, and oftentimes witnessed his parents working very hard to provide the necessities. That, he said, created a bond among the siblings, which they have carried over into adulthood. There were times when they didn’t see eye to eye, but that’s something they were keen on not perpetuating. “I grew up in a home where mother and father and 11 of us in one room. People will have their little differences at times but that was sorted out easily. We grew up with brotherly love and that has carried over in our adult lives,” said Spanner Banner. It was refreshing to see the love and respect they shared for each other. Success, for many, breeds negativity, and, unfortunately, it corrupts some. But the Bonner brothers continue to exercise humility and mutual respect in whatever they do.
“We work in togetherness as brothers. It’s a joy to know that we can come together and play music for the people out there and do it in a form of vibration where we are not jealous of each other,” said Richie Spice.

Violet Bonner, affectionately known as Aunt Vie, died at Andrews Memorial Hospital in St Andrew on Monday, May 14, 2012, due to complications associated with diabetes and other ailments. She was 74.