5 Minutes with. Ce’Cile

DANCEHALL vixen, Ce’Cile, has never batted an eyelash at pesky rumours about her personal life. She’s used to it. That’s why the widely-circulating talk about her being knocked up by one of Jamaica’s dancehall kingpins, is so, well, absurd to her and to her legions of fans.

Now, with the European version of her debut album in the works and several new projects lined up, the 31-year-old femme fatale sits down with all woman to talk men, new music for the fans and, oh yes, those Bounty Killer rumours.

all woman: So, the word on the street is that you’re pregnant by Mr Price.

Ce’Cile: (Laughs) That is just another rumour. For the record, I have never had anything with Bounty Killer and I don’t want his baby mother to think that the rumours are true. At the same time, I don’t believe I have to start a rumour to generate publicity. Being honest and letting my music speak is what I do.

all woman: So have you ever felt hurt by vicious rumours about your personal life?

Ce’Cile: I don’t have a problem with rumours. I have a problem with being misquoted by people and people being disrespectful to me for no reason. But I guess, once you’re in the public eye, you have to expect these things. I don’t let it bother me one bit.

all woman: As a celebrity, how challenging is it to keep your personal life private?

Ce’Cile: For me, it’s not very challenging. I believe that if you don’t put your business out there from the get-go, you shouldn’t have a problem. Even though I do go out with my friends, I am always in the studio working. I don’t drink, I don’t smoke and am not promiscuous as people might assume. For me, it will be very interesting to see what the next rumour will be (Laughs).

all woman: Your debut album, Bad Gyal, has already been launched in Japan and the European version is set to drop soon. What has the reception to the album been like?

Ce’Cile: People are loving it. I had never gone to Japan before and the reception was great. Japan is like a fancied-up version of Jamaica. They love and appreciate our culture and the dancing phenomenon has really been pushing it. We just have to be happy that we are getting the love and support.

all woman: Your new single Waiting and its spicy music video have been doing well on local charts

Ce’Cile: Yeah, people love it, especially the men (Laughs). People come up to tell me that they really like it. But it is not on the album. That’s the sad thing about it. I have other new songs that I have been working on that will be released soon so fans can look out for those.

all woman: Would you say that now there are more opportunities for female artistes in the dancehall to shine or is it still a huge struggle?

Ce’Cile: The music has definitely opened up now and today there are a slew of female artistes on the scene. It is not about being the best singer or deejay. If you dedicate yourself to it and produce music that people like to hear, success is there for the taking. Nobody can take your space. As long as you’re willing to work, stretch yourself and grow, you will succeed.

all woman: I recently saw you hosting On De Stage on Tempo and you had your acting debut in the local film Glory to Gloriana. What other side projects do you have in the pipeline?

Ce’Cile: I have a book of poems that I have been working on that I want to release in the future. There are so many other things that I want to do but my work keeps me busy. I am constantly thinking of how I can get to a higher degree of success.

all woman: So how has your love life been going? Is there a special someone or are you still searching for Mr Right?

Ce’Cile: (Laughs) Well, I am not married. I’ve been in a nice relationship for the past two years.

all woman: Is it someone in the music industry? C’mon, give us the scoop here.

Ce’Cile: (Laughs) It is someone close to the industry. We have a nice, respectful relationship.

all woman: So what do you look for in a potential mate?

Ce’Cile: It is not all about the looks. He has to be understanding with good hygiene. I like guys who are reserved. I hate guys that talk a lot.

all woman: So what’s poppin’ in Ce’Cile’s handbag?

Ce’Cile: I always have a book in my bag, my sidekick, hand sanitiser, lip balm, perfume and my shades.