Shaketa Lady Essence Clarke is living proof that young people can do good and positive things. The 20-year-old, a former Springer Memorial student, now a part of the House Of Soca Tent for the first time and is all ready for the big stage. Stepping onto the Crop-Over stage, Clarke is bringing two new songs, both self-penned. Crop-Over Time and Bottle Pan, a duet with Sir Ruel, were both ideas that popped into my head,” she said. “When I am just relaxing, all the ideas start coming and I find it very easy then.” She also mentioned that she wrote most of the chants that we hear the 12-time athletic champs singing at Inter-School Sports.
Essence said that her inspiration comes from her favourite dance hall artiste Pamputtae from Jamaica, and favourite soca artiste Alison Hinds. “I really love and respect them as artistes; they both have very good music,” she said. Clarke even mentioned that she would be trying out social commentary next year. “Admiral Nelson inspired me to write social commentary and he was quite disappointed that I did not bring out one this year,” she added. However, she confessed that she preferred dancing to singing. “I find it very natural to dance; I can free myself and do what makes me happy.”
As to the views of the critics, Essence said that she just ignored them. “That is who I am. I cannot let what other people think get me down. As a young person I know that I will get double the criticism,” she said. Clarke said that she felt confident that her song would make it to the Party Monarch, but felt that tent-mate Jimmy Dan was her biggest competition. “He has been around for a while and he has some good songs. He even made it to the Party Monarch already,” she said.
She added that she was looking forward to continuing singing in tents and hoped to one day make it big.by Davandra BABB