Joseph Bonner, also commonly known by the nickname Spanner Banner, is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall musician. He is one of the Bonner brothers, all of whom are successful reggae artists, including Pliers, Richie Spice, and Snatcha Lion.
Biography Bonner was born on 6 February in 1969, in the rural area of Rock Hall, St. Andrew, Jamaica.Russell, Karie (1995) "The Chillin' is Over ", Reggae Report, 1995, retrieved 24 July 2014 The brother of fellow reggae stars Pliers, Richie Spice, and Snatcha Lion, Bonner began his career in the late 1980s on the Bidia sound system in St. Andrew, and had hits with songs such as "Life Goes On" with producer Winston Riley.McLean, Roxroy (2009) "The Bonner brothers' bond ", Jamaica Gleaner, 27 October 2009, retrieved 6 September 2012Larkin, Colin (1998) The Virgin Encyclopedia of Reggae, Virgin Books, , p. 280"Spanner Banner hopes for 'Happiness' atop charts ", Jamaica Star, 5 July 2012, retrieved 6 September 2012Moskowitz, David V. (2006) Caribbean Popular Music: an Encyclopedia of Reggae, Mento, Ska, Rock Steady, and Dancehall, Greenwood Press, , p. 279-280 He co-wrote Chaka Demus and Pliers' chart-topping "Tease Me", and rose to prominence himself in the mid-1990s with albums on RAS (Now and Forever) and Island Jamaica (Chill), working with Sly and Robbie on the latter. He went on to release the Real Love album in 2001 on Heartbeat Records, featuring contributions from Tanya Stephens, Lady Saw, and Sean Paul among others.
After relocating to England for a few years, Bonner returned to Jamaica and found success again.Smith, Germaine. "Spanner grips music again ", Jamaica Star, 4 February 2005, retrieved 6 September 2012. Archive retrieved 28 June 2020. In 2009, he returned to the charts with the Donovan Germain-produced "Rolling Stones", and won the 'Biggest Comeback Artiste' award at the 2010 EME Awards."Spanner Banner Optimistic About 'Moving On' ", Jamaica Gleaner, 18 July 2011, retrieved 6 September 2012 In 2011 he set up the Bonner Yard Productions record label.
In February 2014, he announced plans to release a new album, to be preceded by an EP in March.Brooks, Sadeke (2014) "Spanner Banner To Release EP And Album ", Jamaica Gleaner, 23 February 2014. Retrieved 23 February 2014
Discography Albums Now and Forever (1994), RAS Chill (1995), Island Jamaica Lover's Story (1998), Sweet Angel Real Love (2001), Heartbeat Clean Up Your Actions (2008), Clive Hunt/Ugly Man I'm a Winner (2009), Bonner Cornerstone/VP
Compilations Life Goes On (1990), Techniques Greatest Hits (2001), Jet Star
References