By RHONDOR DOWLAT Tuesday, December 19 2006

WINSIE-Ann Cuffie has become a virtual household name in Trinidad and Tobago. But there appears to be another member of her family quickly climbing to that status.

Sherrose, Winsie-Ann’s elder sister, has entered the musical arena with a bang. A student of the University of the West Indies, Sherrose has a naturally great voice and singing style. She has joined her sister in a newly released Christmas CD entitled, You Deserve a Merry Christmas.

The title track, a well-loved piece, is done by Sherrose. The eighteen-year-old Social Science student also does her own melody and the musical arrangement for her songs. ‘Heaven’s Christmas Gift’ which she renders with a particular gracefulness, is her favourite.

The songs on the CD are all originals and have been described as “instant hits” by several listeners. After only a single air play of one song, a couple of weeks ago, there were several calls at Miracle Ministries Church, where the sisters belong, for the CD.

Shortly after this, invitations began pouring in for the Cuffies to perform at various Christmas functions.

Calls for CDs and performances have come in from radio stations, banks, schools, business corporations, churches and individuals. Winsie-Ann and Sherrose will atleast be making one major trip abroad for the holiday performances.

The CD was mastered in Sony Records in New York and is encased in a strikingly rich finish with full-colour Christmas facade. The attractive faces of the two sisters prominently adorn the front cover of the CD case.

Apart from Sherrose’s lovely items, two of the big hits on the CD are hot Parang numbers — ‘New Wine for Christmas’ and “The Saviour is Born” by Winsie-Ann. The music is definitely authentic Parang. An exciting, colourful full-length video on the latter song, has also been released. As expected, this too has also been an instant favourite. It has been made available on DVD.

Another of Winsie-Ann’s renditions “Keep Your Christmas Cheer,’ bearing a different style, but catchy beat and melody, is also doing great.

Given the quality of the songs and packaging, the price is a giveaway of TT$30.

Both sisters said that it was not really their intention to make big money bur rather to be a blessing and give a Christmas gift at a low price.

Sherrose cherishes her partnership with her flamboyant fifteen-year-old sister. “I have always admired her talent and confidence and the great strides which she has made so far in her early life. This has inspired me immensely. I would do back-up singing and dancing for her occasionally, but now we work splendidly as a lead team,” Sherrose said.

Winsie-Ann had similar sentiments, as she beamed over the success which the “Sisters CD” has been having. “As you will recognise, the lyrical content of the songs carry profound messages about Christ, the Gospel and practical life prinicples. This has also been a key factor in whatever success we have had,” Winsie-Ann said.

Commenting further on the popularity of their music, Sherrose remarked, “You know, it is a good feeling when you walk into various business places, offices, Christmas functions, churches and even enter vehicles, and you hear your music being lustily played. But the greater blessing is knowing that somebody is being ministered to, in a meaningful way.”

CDs are at most leading record shops and other conveniently located outlets.