US senatorial citation for Andrew Clarke - The Braata Folk Singers founder will be honoured on Saturday
Published:Tuesday | March 27, 2018 | 12:00 AMCecelia 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, Maryland's District 44 Senator Shirley Nathan-Pulliam. The proclama-tion 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 Nathan-Pulliam 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 this 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 look forward to an impressive performance and implore everyone to come out and enjoy the show. I promise, you will leave filled with satisfaction and overflowed with delight."