Cherrie was born Sherihan Hersi in Oslo, Norway, to Somali immigrants and lived in Finland for about a decade before moving to Sweden where her family took up residence in the Rinkeby area of Stockholm, home to a large immigrant population. Cherrie took it upon herself to become a spokesperson for the area, representing some of the challenges its residents face, from broken hearts to gun violence.

We had a short Q&A with Cherrie, during which she shared what it is like for her to be a black woman in the music industry, an important topic given that underrepresentation and unequal opportunities are part of her daily life.

What has been the biggest challenge for you in the industry?

In the beginning, a lot of people told me that no one would listen to “Swedish RnB” and the stories I wanted to tell. But that just motivated me to prove to myself that I could do it. Challenges in my life and career are just necessary to be able to grow and be better, so even though it doesn’t feel like it at the time, I always appreciate them. Also being underestimated or put in a box as the girl that only represents the hood eve though I’ve represented My Somali heritage and Sweden all over the world sometimes irks me – lol.

What has been your proudest moment?

To be honest, there has been more than one but def being able to change my life and my family life for the better, making my mom proud. Being able to tour almost every continent singing in a foreign language half of my fanbase doesn’t understand and the fact understand ad the fact that they still support me.

When did you first realize you wanted to have a career in music?

I have been singing and writing music for as long as I can remember. But I have always thought that I would be an author because I have always been a shy person and could never imagine that I would be an artist. Life happened and with time I realized that this is what I love to do. But who knows, I may be writing a book someday.

Do you think you have already met the biggest challenges in your life? Or what will be your biggest challenge in life?

My biggest challenge so far has been to make people understand that you never have to compromise on your art or who you are to be successful.

Whether it’s about “black does not sell” or “people do not listen to RnB”. I believe that challenges will always manifest themselves in different ways in my career as long as I do my own thing. But we must stand up for these things so that those after us will not have to do it.

What has surprised you the most during your career?

All the love that I have received from other musicians and colleagues in the industry. That I have been able to create music with people that are so talented and that I have been looking up to. There are so many genuine people in this industry that has become good friends over the years. You know who you are!