The Tribune

ALREADY successful in the Bahamas, gospel singer Ricardo Clarke is now garnering international attention with his hit single “Don’t Count Me Out”. Over the past year, the song has been playing on radio stations in 20 countries outside of the Bahamas; primarily the US, UK, Canada, France, Russia, Australia and Japan.

In addition to global airplay, the track was also featured in the movie “Finding Forever Love”, which premiered at the renowned Black Harvest Film Festival in Chicago this August.

The 20th edition of the festival was held at the prestigious Gene Siskel Film Centre, named after half of the famous film critic duo of Siskel and Ebert.

For almost 40 years, the Film Centre has presented world-class independent, international and classic cinema releases to approximately 65,000 film enthusiasts annually.

The Black Harvest Film Festival is supported by NBC and has existed for over two decades. Filmmakers and other artists from the US and from around the world have participated in the event over the years. Ricardo was the first Bahamian to take part in the festival. It was the also the first time his music has been used in a film.

“Finding Forever Love” was written and directed by Deri Tyton of Atlanta, Georgia, who had this to say about Ricardo’s song:

“I remember the night I found ‘Don’t Count Me Out’. I was sitting in my office going through songs and when I discovered it I couldn’t stop playing it. I kept playing it and playing it and playing it. I know it was perfect for what I was doing.”

Ricardo reacted by saying that he was amazed at how far his music is travelling.

“Over the last year alone I’ve seen my music expand into new territories. I’m now seeing feedback from Russia, Norway, Mexico, Spain and Japan. To be a part of the project is the icing on the cake. I’m excited,” the singer said.

“Finding Forever Love” will see wider distribution in 2015.