Cecile

Cecile, also known as Ce’Cile, is a Jamaican dancehall artist associated with reggae and female dancehall. She develops a reputation as a self-described “Bad Gyal” and builds her name on a style that combines wit, confidence, sexuality and outspoken pro-woman themes. Her work often addresses subjects that are treated as taboo in Jamaica, and she is known for challenging male-dominated dancehall conventions.

Career

She first attracts attention with “Changez”, a single presented as a deliberate marketing move that plays on and criticises her male counterparts. Another defining track is “Do It To Me”, which reinforces her explicit, assertive style. She also records “Bare As She Dare” with Canadian artist Carl Henry on the Coolie Dance rhythm, a release that broadens her exposure.

Cecile appears on Sean Paul’s platinum-selling Dutty Rock album on “Can You Do The Wuk”, and is involved in performances of that song on tour in 2003, including a pre-awards party for the MTV Europe Awards. She also performs Mya’s verses with Beenie Man at the BET Harlem Block Party in 2001.

Collaborations and releases

Her collaborations include “Man a Man” with Shaggy on the Striptease rhythm, “Got Me Going Crazy” with G-Unit’s Olivia, and “Loser” featuring Lady Saw, which also appears on Lady Saw’s Striptease album. She also has a German hip hop charting hit with “Rude Bwoy Thug Life”.

Other recordings mentioned include “Hot Like Dat” with Leftside & Esco, “Johnny” with Skatta, “Faking” with the South Rakkas Crew, “Didn't Know” for Danagazone Productions, and “Phattified” from King Jammy’s camp through Jam 2. She continues to record self-produced material, including “Settle Pan It” and “Kitty”.

Labels, touring and recognition

In 2003 she signs with Delicious Vinyl Records, an independent label, but later leaves. She tours regularly across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Caribbean. Her profile extends beyond dancehall magazines and websites, with features in Source, Vibe and XLR8R.

She receives nominations and recognition from a number of reggae and music organisations and awards bodies, including the Irie Jam Radio Awards, the Jamaican Federation of Musicians, the Martins International Reggae Music Awards, the South Florida Reggae Awards, the Stone Love Awards, the Star Awards, the Richie B’s awards and the Tamika Awards.

Style

Cecile is noted for a polished, sultry delivery and for using dancehall as a space for female perspective and provocation. Her style is described as influential enough that other women in dancehall model themselves on it. She also presents herself as business-minded and early in building her own online presence through a dedicated website.