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It’s her first time on the Billboard chart and Cherine Anderson is thoroughly enjoying the moment.
The song for which Anderson has been getting all this recognition is Say Hey, which was done with the United States (US)-based Michael Franti and Spearhead. The song was released almost a year ago but after only six weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, the song has already reached number 25. It is also on Billboard’s rock, pop, radio and digital songs charts.
“It’s a blessing, a great opportunity. Not something I expected. It’s like everywhere now. I have been touring a lot but I have been seeing the fruits of my labour,” Anderson said.
She said she performed the song, which was released on an independent label, with Michael Franti and Spearhead at various shows. From there, many of their fans started requesting the song. Eventually, it started appearing on all the popular charts.
“It’s my first time (on a Billboard chart) and the first time for Michael Franti and Spearhead,” said Anderson, who has appeared in movies such as One Love and Dancehall Queen .
Anderson added that artistes like Michael Franti and Spearhead have had a very successful career but were not always on the major charts. However, they have had many sold-out shows, which is something many chart-topping artistes have been unable to do.
“It depends on what you consider success. Having a record that plays a lot on radio is one sort of success.”
With her style of dancehall soul, Anderson said she has to actively seek her audience. “The world is such a huge place. So many people gravitate to good music,” she said.
Therefore, it is her aim to invest in good music that her audiences will love. Like Spearhead and Michael Franti, Anderson said her aim is to build a real audience.
“My aim is not to build hype but building a career on solid songs and showcasing real talent,” said Anderson.
She certainly has been building a fan base, as she is currently on tour in the US. She has been solidly touring since last September, opening for Michael Franti and Spearhead. In between those shows, she has performed with Sly and Robbie, as well as some shows of her own.