Album Notes

Chetenge (Che-ten-gae)(Mother of the Village)

Cheryle Clarke a.k.a. Chetenge was born in Mount Salem Montego Bay Jamaica, attended Anchovy Secondary School in her native parish St James

In the ninth grade her singing talents came to the fore, as it was about that time as a member of her School’s Music Club her singing talent came out on show. Soon after this unearthing she joined her church choir (Mt Carey Seventh Day Adventist) and her beautiful contralto blossomed. Chetenge is no stranger to the performance arena in Jamaica, she worked the Cabaret Circuit on the North Coast and Negril and has graced the stage at Sum’Fest and done opening acts for the likes of Tony Rebel, Marcia Griffiths and Gregory Isaac, when the “Superstars” have worked in the Negril area where she now makes her home.

Chetenge is a versatile singer and performs not only the music of her homeland REGGAE, but during her cabaret shows at places like Sandals, Beaches Negril, Montego Beach Resorts, Bascobel and Point Village Hotel, Ballads, Jazz, Country and Western and Pop music complete her repertoire. Chetenge has won Gold, Silver and Bronze medals in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (J.C.D.C.) performing arts Competition and in 1981 she was the parish champion in the Pop and Variety Contest. In 1998 having gone professional six years earlier, she won the Montego Bay Song Competition.

Over twenty years of working as a professional singer has seen Chetenge matured in to a fine performer. Stints with Roy Jackson’s Jazz band and Jackie Jackson’s Time Band has only served to strengthen her resolve. Audiences have warmed up to her every place she has worked.

In 1999 Chetenge decided to spread her wings far above the confines of Cabaret singing and participated in the National Festival song Contest with her entry song “Born Inna J.A.”. She emerged the winner for best song and writer. She is the second female singer and composer to have won this competition since its inception 1966. Chetenge have also written Gospel Songs titled ”Rejoice. He gave me his love, Agape and Holy Spirit” on Judith Gayle “Holy Spirit “ Gospel Album that made it to No 2 in the Gospel chart in Jamaica.

Chetenge, Singer, Song writer and Arranger has co-produced her debut “Roots and Culture” album “Borders”, A fusion of Afro Caribbean and REGGAE music transcending barriers among people of all nations. “Spiritual, Political and Humorous”. Chetenge has paid her dues and is ready for the International marketplace, She is strong, courageous, focused and puts no boundaries on her hopes for tomorrow.