Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Marcelle Chérie has always been passionate about music, both in formal and informal settings. She performed in high school concerts and took electives such as music history and guitar classes throughout college. Although she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Public Relations from the University of Tampa, she has always believed that music is not just her passion but her true calling.

In 2023, Marcelle released her debut single, “Inna Mi Vibes,” which has garnered over 50,000 views and streams to date. The song features a sweet vibe and beat, showcasing Marcelle’s beautiful vocal range. She has continued to release a series of singles leading up to her first project, ELLEMENTAL. At 26 years old, the singer is dedicated to carving out a space for herself in contemporary Caribbean music and has worked tirelessly for two years doing what she loves.

ELLEMENTAL was inspired by the Four Elements, as Greek philosophy suggests that all things are made of water, earth, fire, or air. This EP serves as an introduction to Marcelle, offering insight into who she is as an artist. She recently shared:

“ELLEMENTAL showcases all the sides of me—fun, sultry, firm, and optimistic. It represents all the elements that make me who I am. The title combines the word ‘elemental,’ which embodies the power of nature, with my name, MarcELLE. The term ‘elemental’ also refers to a first or rudimentary state, and this is my initial project; it’s the foundation upon which I’m building my musical career. Each song corresponds to an element and includes an accompanying visual: ‘Sit Pretty’ (air), ‘Likkle Bass’ (fire), ‘Deep Pockets’ (water), and ‘Tunnel Vision’ (earth).”

The truly remarkable aspect of this project is that Marcelle has accomplished almost everything on her own as an independent artist. She sought to maintain a high level of creative control over her debut body of work, which included conceptualizing and directing her own photo and video shoots, as well as managing her own hair and makeup, styling, location scouting, and even public relations—a skill set bolstered by her education.

She expressed:
“I could not have created a complete body of work without my family and the incredible collaborators involved in the project. I recorded the songs over eight months in various studios throughout Kingston, and we captured the photos and visuals for the EP in simple locations, including my home, photo studios, parks, and the beach. I collaborated with three producers—Demitri Thelwell, Isla Amisu, and Sabaster Muik—and one audio engineer, Rajev Caution, to bring everything together.”

The EP begins with the air element track titled “Sit Pretty.” The production creates an airy atmosphere, with Marcelle’s magnificent voice gliding effortlessly over the music, taking listeners on a relaxing journey.

Next, “Likkle Bass” represents the fire element. In this track, her vocals shine alongside a solid beat and groove. She showcases her vocal range and prowess, effectively controlling the emotions throughout the song. This might be my favorite track on the EP.

Marcelle’s personal favorite track, “Deep Pockets,” embodies the element of water. Listening to this production evokes the sensation of flowing water accompanying the beat and music. Marcelle shared:

“I wanted ‘Deep Pockets’ to feel like rushing water, like being at the edge of a waterfall. Sabaster Muzik, the producer, sent me this amazing beat, which I refer to as a ‘movie soundtrack,’ so I had to do it justice. Jesse James, who directed the visualizer for ‘Deep Pockets,’ played a crucial role in creating an entirely new universe—right in my grandpa’s backyard. You can check out the behind-the-scenes video here. I take pride in being resourceful and making the most of limited resources, and it feels rewarding when people are surprised by what we could create with what we had at the time.”

This is exactly what we experience in “Deep Pockets,” which delivers the sensation of rushing water both in the production and in her vocals.

The project concludes with “Tunnel Vision,” which represents the earth element. This strong track features upbeat production that combines powerful lyrics with deep emotional resonance, showcasing Marcelle’s vulnerability while maintaining a solid foundation.

Marcelle Chérie set out to create a project that draws inspiration from both elemental themes and her own personality—fun, sultry, firm, and optimistic. She has successfully achieved this, delivering strong production alongside even stronger lyrics and vocals. Through her music, she shares her emotions and talents with the world.

The more you listen, the better you get to know Marcelle; you begin to understand the emotions and elements she conveys. The listener can feel her optimism and gain insight into her joy for life and music. There’s a hidden seductive vibe mixed with her strong and secure nature. This project is an excellent starting point for her, and I eagerly await what she will create next.

One Love – Todd M. Judd