Winsie-Ann Cuffie is a young lady of talent, splendour and dedication, a woman of excellence and persistence. Winsie-Ann has shown maturity, tenacity and class in defying all odds (even the detractors and critics when they come around) and pursuing her purpose with excellence.

Personally, I have been able to observe Winsie-Ann’s ministry, from its birth, and it must be admitted that her thrust to develop and become above-average has made a long-lasting impression upon my mind, as well as my peers.

MWALE HENRY

One example I can cite in this connection, is her spectacular performance at the November 2007 Israel Houghton’s concert at the Jean Pierre Complex, with her dynamic rendition of “Warfare Cry.” The presentation, richly enhanced by fireworks and all, was absolutely astounding.

Her performances are energetic, and her music is relevant and timely. Winsie-Ann’s call to abstinence is lyrically and musically potent. Given the alarming HIV/AIDS prevalence in our region, we need a voice of clarity and boldness to trumpet the abstinence message. As a Christian and concerned citizen, the gifted artiste has shared my anxieties over the moral depletion that faces us today. I honestly believe that Winsie-Ann’s call is one which CARICOM itself should heed.

Excellence has overtaken Winsie-Ann’s strides in ministering. Her youth has not shown any inexperience. This was evident even back in 2005, when she sang as guest artist at the Sugar and Energy Festival, doing “Excellence”. The versatile and vivacious Winsie-Ann returned in 2007 as a contestant, convincingly winning with her classic “Make a Difference”. She went on to win the Caribbean Gospel Awards “New Female Artiste of the Year”, in 2007.

The chronological age of this petite 16-year-old, belies her musical ingenuity and ability to command a stage. Her trips throughout the Caribbean region, Canada and the United States, particularly her spectacular performance alongside Grammy Awardee Michael English in New York, her Sony-recorded CD with the Madison Square Garden launch, are amazing accomplishments. Clearly, the Lord has graced the creative Winsie-Ann to take local Gospel music to another level.

The heart of worship has entangled her voice. “His Grace” and “Jesus I Love You,” top my favourites. “His Grace,” in particular, has ministered to me in a profound way. This loaded track has brought a new level of awareness to my heart, that God’s grace is indeed sufficient for me. It’s prophetic to me.

Quite evidently, Winsie-Ann Cuffie has displayed the charisma and fortitude, and a healthy balance, both academically and spiritually. Like the thousands of Winsie-Ann fans in all of T&T, I salute this gifted, anointed child of God as an honourable role model to our youth population and nation, by extension.

The above is an extract of the entry submitted by Mwale Henry, first place winner of the 17 years & over category, in the Winsie-Ann’s Essay Competition. The topic addressed was Why I Love Winsie-Ann’s Music.  Henry, of the Bethel New Testament Church, Point-a-Pierre, is a final year Social Science student at the University of the West Indies, St Augustine.