The Tribune

By CARA HUNT

Tribune Features Writer

cbrennen@tribunemedia.net

The Bahamian gospel and media communities are mourning the death of award-winning singer and journalist Vanessa Clarke.

Vanessa, who was known as the “Divine Lady” for her singing, died this past weekend after bat- tling a degenerative neurological disorder for many years. She was 48 years old. She is survived her husband Volare and two young daughters, V’ajha and V’lori.

Her death came just a day before she was to receive an award at the 50th Anniversary Bahamian Gospel Honours.

Vanessa was a journalist and radio personality for many years, and part of the Tribune staff at one time, but was better known the world over for her powerful singing voice that earned her the nickname Bahamian songbird.

From Freeport, Grand Bahama, she first made history in 1996 when she won the cov- eted Gospel Music Marlin Award for Outstanding Female Vocalist. She won three more awards over the course of 10 years and along with the group Da Fam, captured the Bahamas’ Cacique Award for Best Song of the Year in 2005. She was the 2021 International Trail- blazer Honoree for the Prayze Factor Awards, which will bear her name going forward. She trav- elled extensively throughout the United States and parts of the Caribbean for ministry.

Vanessa’s medical issues began when she suffered a fall several years ago as she was headed from Freeport to Nassau to record her single “Like the Dew”. Despite the pain, she was able to com- plete the project before seeking treatment.

Unfortunately, she was later diagnosed with a neurological dis- order that would eventually leave her unable to walk, breathing with the aid of a ventilator, and which reduced her ability to use her hands. In addition to suffer- ing a brain aneurysm and a stroke, most recently she had to have both her legs amputated due to an infection.

Vanessa did not shy away from speaking about her medical chal- lenges, giving her fans and her friends regular updates on her Facebook page.

Despite the deterioration of her body, she was an inspiration to everyone because of her positive spirit an unwavering faith.

Vanessa told The Tribune in 2019, “Faith without works is dead and Lord knows I am giving it all I’ve got. I know God is with

VANESSA with her husband, Volare Clarke, on their 14th wedding anniversary on April 14, 2023

She was simply amazing and that is why she stands out above many others and why she will be remembered,” he said.

“We lost a gem. She died empty, like the late Pastor Myles Munroe would say.”

Tributes flooded in on social media.

Courtnee Benjamin Roberts posted: “Vanessa Clarke was a testimony and a woman who lived and walked her faith daily, loudly and bravely. I will so, so miss you, my friend. You can never ever be forgotten.”

Heather Joy Albury, another friend, posted: “Vanessa, you were always full of joy and inspi- ration You sang of God’s praises and blessings. God has once again showered his mercies on you, and you will have to suffer no more. May God watch over your family and friends who have lost your beautiful soul. You will be fondly remembered. RIP.”

Sharell Ali McIntosh, leader of the Bahamas Constitution Party, said: “My condolences to the family of Vanessa Clarke. Her mother, her husband and chil- dren and her extended family, including the church and her many friends in the music indus- try. I have had the pleasure of having heard Vanessa sing before I preached. There is no anointing like that. She sings the sermon in. She will be greatly missed. Bless- ing and peace to the nation as she has been a tremendous light and a symbol of a walk of faith.”

Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic and as she was struggling with her health, Vanessa found the time and the strength to put the Bahamas on the world stage once again.

On New Year’s Day 2021, Jesus in the City, a Christian organi- sation out of Canada, released its major music video produc- tion “The Blessing: Caribbean”. Vanessa represented the Bahamas in this project, along with fellow musicians Tony Lowe and Nehe- miah Hield of Baha Men fame.

That year, she and her two daughters also appeared on the Dr Bobby Jones Show on Impact TV, which is seen 180 million homes.

Vanessa said: “The Bible says that praise will come from the islands, and it has always been my desire to be a part of that move- ment – no matter how God would get it done.

“It tells us that our praise must go forth into the world and be launched from home – the islands. God inhabits the praise of His people and so we share the very essence of Him in our praise and the way we worship.”