Jamaica Gleaner

US senatorial citation for Andrew Clarke

The Braata Folk Singers founder will be honoured on Saturday

- Cecelia Campbell-Livingston/ Gleaner Writer

ON DECEMBER 31, 2017, The Gleaner’s Flair listed Montegonia­n Andrew Clarke as one of six diaspora persons to watch for 2018.

It seems they were spot on as the former Cornwall College student who made great strides in 2017 promoting Jamaica’s folk culture in the US, through the Braata Folks Singers, has chalked up even more accolades.

Clarke will be the proud recipient of a ‘Senatorial Citation’ from Baltimore, Mar yland’s District 44 Senator Shirley Nathan-Pulliam. The proclamati­on will be presented at the Caribbean Voices and Pan show, slated for this Saturday, March 31, at the Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Hanover Pkwy, Greenbelt, Maryland.

The citation is even more special for the singer, as NathanPull­iam was born in Trelawny.

Commenting on the honour, Clarke told The Gleaner, “I am really honoured to accept this citation on behalf of the Braata Folk Singers. I feel like 2017 was the year that Braata Production­s found its stride and we are now seeing the fruits of nine years of work,” he said, adding that he feels humbled and more motivated to continue the work in promoting Brand Jamaica and in the preservati­on of traditiona­l Caribbean culture.

A few weeks ago, Clarke also landed an acting role alongside singer Christophe­r Martin in the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) ‘Big Deal’ promotion.

Boasting an ear-to-ear smile, he said it was an opportunit­y of a lifetime.

“It was a lot of fun and a big, big deal working with Christophe­r Martin and the team on t his project. I honestly enjoyed the experience and I’m looking forward to even more life-changing opportunit­ies like this,” he said.

Clarke will add his voice to an impressive line-up of Caribbean stars at the Caribbean Voices and Pan show on Saturday. He says it will be yet another opportunit­y to keep the fire burning on Jamaican folk culture.

“We l ook for ward to an impressive per formance and implore everyone to come out and enjoy the show. I promise, you will leave filled with satisfacti­on and overflowed with delight.”

 ??  ?? Andrew Clarke
Andrew Clarke

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