The temperatures might not be frightful, but the sounds and sights of Christmas have enveloped New York. From the holiday-themed Macy’s windows to the banners streamed across Flatbush Avenue, Christmas is indeed in the air.
Ushering in the joyful season is Grenada-born singer Cheryl Vincent, known as Cheryl V.
According to the singer-songwriter, “You can never get enough of Christmas music. I don’t think I’m done writing or singing Christmas songs,” she said.
Cheryl V has re-released two Christmas albums, one recorded back in 1997 and the other in 2013. Backed by management and support from her 15-year-old daughter, who also sings, she feels now is her time to get serious about her music career.
“This is my time as a singer. I’ve been trying to do this for so many years and everything is lining up right now,” she explained.
This perfect timing follows a career originating in Grenada while Vincent, who works full time as a nurse, was still a girl. At the tender age of 11, the songstress joined Grenada’s longest top performing group, Spice Island Youthquake, and has continued to perform with many of the same Youthquake members who have relocated to Brooklyn; perfoming under the moniker Quake USA.
Vincent has handled lead vocals for various bands including In Synch and HiLites, and has also toured across the Caribbean, Europe, Canada and the United States. Her love for music is much so engrained in her as she follows her father’s footsteps and proudly sees her daughter doing the same.
“My dad was also a singer. He did music all his life. I followed his footsteps and to now see my daughter following the same footsteps is really a proud thing for me to see,” she said.
No stranger to the stage, Vincent has performed in a wide variety of genres including reggae, soca, calypso, folk music, R&B, and pop.
“I find each genre—folk, calypso, reggae, soca and R&B — appealing for different reasons. Folk, calypso, soca and reggae are the genres of rhythmic music that I grew up with, and are a huge part of who I am. Whereas, I am drawn to R&B because its slower beat and soulful ballads allow me to bring out more of my vocal abilities,” she said.
She has also lent her vocal chords to tackle difficult national anthems including, USA, Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Guyana, Haiti, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Dominica, Barbados, Antigua Barbuda, St. Kitts Nevis, Cuba, Venezuela, Nigeria and South Africa.
Working double time during her favorite season of the year, it fits that her musical return is during Christmas as a reintroduction of sorts.
In the near future, Vincent aims to release a reggae and soca album as well as get in the studio with her daughter to record some songs together.
As we prepare for a warmer-than-usual Christmas, enjoy the sounds of Cheryl V’s Christmas melodies in her albums “Merry Christmas” and “Cheryl V’s Christmas Favorites” available via email inquiry at chery
