Sadeke Brooks, Staff Reporter

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 told The Sunday Gleaner.

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.

Successful career

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," she told The Sunday Gleaner.

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.

Major festivals

Anderson said the tour has taken her to Europe, Australia and the US, playing at major festivals, clubs and amphitheatres. With only a few years in the music business under her belt, she said she feels proud to have performed at major venues like the Hollywood Bowl (twice), Times Square and Central Park. In a typical week, she said she does as many as five shows, sometimes more. However, she has lost track of the number of shows she has done since September.

"I am truly humbled and blessed to be given the opportunity to take my music on such a stage. So far, it has been so positive and overwhelming. I am so grateful," Anderson said.

At these many shows, Anderson said she has been promoting her songs Talk If Yuh Talking and Shine On Jamaica, which she said was inspired by the tremendous performance of the Jamaican athletes at the Beijing Olympics last year. Upon her return in October, she said the video for Shine On Jamaica will be released.

In her spare time, Anderson said she has been learning to play the guitar, which she believes will only enhance her music. In addition, she has been doing a lot of writing for her debut album that will be a fusion of different genres.

Anderson also said she has several upcoming television dates in the US to promote Say Hey.

Meanwhile, The Introduction-Dubstyle EP, which was released in March, has been doing well outside Jamaica.

Despite her many successes abroad, a grateful Anderson said Jamaica has been the backbone of her acting and music career, which set the foundation for her current fortunes.