RICHIE SPICE IS “CELEBRATING JAMAICA 61” WITH HIS VERSION OF THE MAYTALS’ “MONKEY MAN!”

By Maria Jackson—

In 1968, Jamaican vocal group The Maytals – more popularly known as Toots and the Maytals – released Monkey Man, a record that eventually became their first international hit song. It is said that it was created affectionately, as a dig aimed at their producer at the time, Leslie Kong.

Approximately half a century later, in 2023, Richie Spice – who is a member of the Rastafari movement – has put his spin on the tune. Opting to maintain much of the original lyrics and flow, Spice has titled his version Rasta Man. Another noticeable difference is the more pronounced ska sounds heard on Richie‘s track versus that of the original done by The Maytals. Richie’s Rasta Man has now entered the Foundation Radio Network Top 30 Reggae Chart.

Richie Spice‘s Rasta Man is among twenty-one songs featured on the Celebrating Jamaica 61 album published by Tad’s Record Inc. Both the single and the LP are available on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Deezer, and all other music platforms.