Birth Month: September

How did you get started in the business?

Cherine: I started in the entertainment industry first as a child actress, co-starring as 'Tanya' in the film Dancehall Queen. I followed with another film called One Love where I played the role of 'Serena', a Christian girl who falls in love with a rastafarian musician (Kymani Marley). I got the opportunity to sing and act in One Love but it wasn't until three years ago that I made the decision to pursue a career as a singer /songwriter and released my first song, Good Love, on Taxi Records.

What has been your greatest challenge in the business yet?

Cherine: All the challenges have been like building blocks, they've really helped me to work harder and grow as an all-round entertainer. I've been blessed to have mentors like my manager Patrick Lindsay and producer Sly Dunbar, who have helped me to grow as an artiste. As a result I haven't had to deal with some of the unfortunate realities of some of my peers. On the movie side of things I'veheard that I wasn't light-skinned enough and not pretty enough to play roles, but you do have to believe in yourself and be determined, not discouraged. Another big challenge is touring. While it's inspiring and fulfilling to be able to perform for audiences all over the world, living on a tour bus for months does take some getting used to.

What have you been up to lately?

Cherine: I just completed a very successful five-month world tour with Michael Franti and Spearhead and the rock band Counting Crows. I'm currently on the Billboard charts for the song Say Hey (I Love You) on which I'm featured from Michael Franti's album. Over the last two weeks my team and I have been promoting my three new singles, a hot, hot dancehall record called Hey Baby, a lover's rock tune on Real Love and a duet called You Turn Me On. I am also excited with the upcoming release of a song titled Ring the Alarm, which is a really wicked tune. I am also in the process of recording my first fulllength album, working with producers like Sly and Robbie, Jerry Wonda (Wyclef Jean, Shakira), David Norland, Jeekyman (Lil Kim) and a few new Jamaican producers. I am very pleased with the progress and the songs are really strong.

Do you look up to any specific artiste and why?

Cherine: There are a lot of artistes who I admire but we wouldn't have space to write all the names. A few who stand out are actors Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, Angela Bassette and Russell Crowe. I think they are extremely talented and dedicated at their craft and show real versatility in the characters they play. On the music side of things I admire Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Marcia Griffiths and Sade. They are very talented and they've worked hard on a sound that was different and became a standard. Even when what they were doing was not obvious, or the most popular to masses at the time, they stuck to what they believed in and just pressed on.

Are you happy with the way things are going for your musical career right now?

Cherine: I am extremely happy. In many ways 2009 has surpassed many expectations. I have really felt a lot of love from my fellow Jamaicans throughout my travels and even more special right here at home. In addition, my manager has a strong belief in ensuring that I am exposed to as many audiences as possible so he has organised touring opportunities with a wide variety of top groups like Sly and Robbie, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Slightly Stoopid, Pepper, Agustana, and the Counting Crows. These tours allowed me to introduce my dancehall soul sound to wide and diversified audiences.

Do you have any advice for young artistes coming up?

Cherine: Take your time to develop your talent, join a community group or church choir and strengthen your voice. Take voice lessons if you can afford them. Believe in yourself but be honest with yourself. Get an education, you will need it to be successful and learn as much as you can about the entertainment industry. Remember your success or failure depends on you.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Cherine: I do have a lot of work to do to achieve my goals. The current plan is to have my debut album released in 2010 and I am super-excited about that. I will also be touring a lot more as well as taking on additional film projects. I am working hard to further establish the Cherine Anderson brand, making it relevant to people all over the world. 'Cherine to Di World'.

- Krista Henry