Cherine Anderson performing in South Africa

Cherine Anderson gets strong reception for her music on first trip to Johannesburg South Africa

Johannesburg, South Africa – “Just know that you are beautiful.  And who you are is enough. God don’t make mistakes”, those were the words from the 5″3′ Jamaican dancehall reggae soul singer, Cherine Anderson as she and her band ignited youngsters from various villages at The Urban Youth Concert, held at Newton Park in Jo’burg this past Saturday.

Cherine was invited by the City of Johannesburg for the 15th edition of the Arts Alive Festival, sharing the bill with popular Jo’burg based artists Kwesta, Tumi, Jah Vinchi (Jamaica), among others. This was Cherine’s first trip to not just South Africa but the continent of Africa. She made the trip with her own six-piece band, and performed both her reggae and dancehall hits as well as debuted catchy tunes from her upcoming album.

It was Anderson’s Haffi Come Back, Coming Over Tonight, Shine on South Africa as well new songsTry, No Peace in War andMoola that had the young crowd screaming throughout her forty-minute set.  There was good crowd interaction and Anderson in her usual style went into the crowd to greet supporters after her set.  According to event organizer

Roshnie Moonsamy “Cherine was a great addition to the festival “

The success of Anderson’s performance on Saturday led to promoters requesting her to do a short set at the Eldo Jazz and Arts Festival, the following day. The Eldo Jazz and Arts Festival is a free event that supports the community of Eldorado Park, an area plagued with unemployment and drug problems. Cherine played guitar on songs like Try and engaged the crowd  in a sing-a-long on the uplifting Eagles & Doves. Her set went over very well with the audience, many of who were children from the community.

Cherine Anderson made several media stops which also included Power FM as well as the youth radio station, VoW FM at The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits). Though her music and electrifying stage presence may have been her draw, her Reach One Child movement is admired and being embraced in some South African circles. Plans are being made for her return to work with local schools and community groups through motivational and mentorship workshops.