When gospel singer Trevelle Clarke-Whyne decided to record the song Sweet, the producer, Odane “DaneKeyzie” Mais wanted to create a beat that would bring something different to the gospel music space. Hence, a rocksteady instrumental accompanied the track which was released on April 30.

“When Odane originally came up with this rocksteady track he wanted to do something different in the gospel space. So he decided to recreate the music from the era his parents would listen to, which led to him creating this rocksteady vibe. The melody line he told me came to him while driving one day and then he went and created the track [around 2024].

“I’m a music educator by profession so I was rather impressed with the track and the beautiful take on this Jamaican genre that was pretty much short-lived after ska, and then became the precursor to reggae music. But it was a tastefully done track and felt pretty authentic,” Clarke-Whyne told the Jamaica Observer recently.

She shared the inspiration behind Sweet.

“When Odane sent me the track I thought that the track was ‘sweet’. Now, if I may say, I migrated to the USA and I am currently teaching music here, but it has come with its own fair share of challenges. School isn’t the same, church culture is different; however, one thing is essential to every Christian, and that is, wherever you go, you ought to live for Jesus. And so, for me, the peace that comes with serving Christ — even in the midst of changes — brings a sweet feeling. There is honey in the rock and this rock is Jesus,” said Clarke-Whyne who has been a Christian since 2015.

She stated: “My relationship with the Lord is one where I am constantly learning to trust His hand and His processes. I like clear and straight plans, and the walk of salvation requires big faith and big trust. But, for what it is worth, my sweet spot is in the arms of my Saviour.”

A former lecturer at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, Clarke-Whyne shared what led her decision to commit her life to the Lord.

“Both of my parents are Christians and ministers. So, the foundation was already set for me to have an understanding of the importance of being saved from an early age.”’

The song Sweet is a part of a various artistes rhythm compilation titled Back in Time rhythm that Mais is set to release. The other songs featured thus far include Love Letter by Trecian Smith-Bryan and I’m Yours by Trinelle Adalee.

Clarke-Whyne received multiple nominations in the 2024 Sterling Gospel Music Awards.