Marcelle Chérie Lights Up the Holiday Season with Afro-Fusion Project ‘Hot in December’

Recording artiste Marcelle Chérie drops a 3-track project, blending island-party spirit with Afro-dancehall energy while celebrating her musical confidence

Recording artiste Marcelle Chérie

December is often seen as a time for cold weather and winding down, but for recording artiste Marcelle Chérie, it’s quite the opposite. Her latest project, Hot in December, taps into the nonstop party spirit found across Caribbean and African communities, where celebration isn’t tied to a season and the energy stays high all year long.

The 3-song Afro/Dancehall-infused project embraces feel-good music made for release, connection, and movement, while also echoing Marcelle’s belief in finding joy even amid grief or hardship. Rooted in her authentic love for celebration, Hot in December is an open invitation to turn up island-style, no matter the month.

The project features production from Isla Amisu on “Fi Me,” Inziman Productions on “FTITR,” and Yo Christon on “Tun E Up,” with all tracks mixed and mastered by Yo Christon.

At its core, Hot in December reflects where Marcelle Chérie is right now personally and creatively. She sees her music as an extension of the joy she feels while making it, noting that fun has become essential to her process. While she still approaches her craft with discipline, she no longer sacrifices passion for expectations, resulting in music that feels natural and honest.

The project leans into Afro-fusion, shaped by Marcelle’s time in Jamaica’s party scene and her love for global sounds. She notes Afrobeats’ growing influence on the island and its natural synergy with dancehall - both genres move people, spark connection, and carry a cultural rhythm that resonates across the Caribbean.

As a woman navigating dancehall, Marcelle leads with confidence and authenticity. She isn’t interested in trends or chasing viral moments; instead, she trusts her intuition and prioritizes individuality. In an industry still dominated by men, she focuses on carving her own lane and staying inspired without losing her identity. For her, understanding can’t be forced—those who are meant to connect with her music will.

Across the three-track project, Marcelle found particular joy in recording “Tun E Up,” a song that originally existed in an earlier form but was later revisited. Re-recording the vocals allowed her to refine the delivery and align the track more closely with the project’s timing and energy. The result is a record that fits seamlessly into Hot in December, capturing the carefree spirit that runs throughout the release.

Ultimately, Hot in December is an invitation, especially for women-to escape, release, and indulge in pleasure without guilt. Marcelle hopes listeners feel transported, whether to Ghana’s famed Detty December celebrations or to a late-night party somewhere in the islands. It’s a project rooted in sensuality, movement, and shared joy, offering a reminder that celebration itself can be a form of healing.