TBGB Chats with Coko

TBGB had a chance to spend a few moments last week with gospel artist Cheryl “Coko” Clemens. Coko’s CD, The Winner in Me (Light Records), was one of our Top Fifteen Gospel Albums in 2009.

We wanted to learn about Coko’s inspirations, aspirations, and also about her recent initiative to help women and girls discover “the winner” in them. Here’s a summary:

TBGB: Did you aspire to be a gospel singer when you were growing up?

CC: I grew up in church; my mother is a professional gospel singer.

TBGB: Who were your earliest music inspirations?

CC: I would have to say my mother; I travel with her a lot.

TBGB: You are taking the message of self-esteem explicit in “The Winner in Me” to young women and girls. What has inspired you to do this? How will you help young women and girls find the winner in themselves?

CC: I just want to encourage them to know that, in spite of everything they may go through in life, there is still a winner in them.

TBGB: In your opinion, what is the most important thing that parents should do to help their children grow up to be positive, confident men and women?

CC: Kids follow by example, so parents have to be a great example for them.

TBGB: What are your thoughts on the direction of gospel/inspirational music as it continues to incorporate the sounds of hip hop, rap, R&B, digital and other post-modern grooves into its musical DNA?

CC: I think it’s great, as long as we are inspiring, encouraging, and uplifting the masses.

TBGB: What would you be doing if you were not pursuing a music career?

CC: I would be a beautician/hair stylist.

TBGB: What is next for Coko?

CC: I have a few projects I’m working on…

And we’ll leave it at that. Thanks to Coko for her time and for taking her message of positive self-image and confidence to women and girls everywhere!