Mackerel’s mom turns to music

Keeping above the fray, Sherlette Black has turned to music for comfort amid the ongoing controversy involving her daughter, Ladasha 'Mackerel' Francis.

"I was devastated by all the things that my daughter said about me in the media and all those videos that she has floating around on the Internet. I'm still shocked. I cannot believe this is the same child that I raised. But I'm a woman of faith, and I know in time, she will realise her mistakes," said Black.

The 47-year-old mother of two, who placed third in the 2015 JCDC Festival Song Competition with a song called Sweet Festival, under the name Princess Black, recently released a cover of the American Country music classic, No Charge.

"I always love this song since I was a little girl. The version I love the most was done by Tammy Wynette. It's a beautiful song, and I think many people can relate to its message. That's why I have recorded it," she said.

The single, which was produced by MV Music, was leaked last Sunday by a popular local website and has racked up more than 150 views.

"I'm happy that people are reacting to it positively, and I hope it will be an inspiration to people all over the world," said Black.

No Charge and her second single, God Will Fix Things, will be released by MV Music on all major music platforms, including iTunes and Spotify, on May 24.

Sherlette Black was born visually impaired. She grew up attending the Salvation Army School for the Blind in Kingston. She is also a graduate of the Statler Center in Buffalo, United States, and holds an associate degree in massage therapy from the HEART Trust/NTA.