Music has always been a part of Christopher Clarke’s life. Long before he stepped behind a microphone or performed for large crowds, the Guyanese-American artist was behind a drum set in church, learning the power of rhythm, timing and connection.

Today, Clarke, known professionally as Spincity Chris, is bringing that foundation to the global stage with a sound he calls Cariswing, a fusion of Caribbean rhythms, hip-hop, R&B and Afrobeats that reflects the diverse identity of the Caribbean diaspora.

With the release of his latest music video, “AWI,” the Queens-based artist continues his mission to showcase Caribbean culture through music while creating a sound that represents both his Guyanese roots and his New York upbringing.

“For me, every record has to feel authentic,” Spincity Chris said. “I want people to hear the Caribbean in the music, but I also want them to hear New York. That’s who I am.”

Born in Guyana, Clarke moved to New York with his family at age 8, growing up between two worlds that would eventually shape his artistic journey. His Caribbean upbringing introduced him to the sounds and traditions of home, while New York exposed him to the influence of hip-hop legends such as Jay-Z and Nas.

Before pursuing music professionally, Clarke spent nearly eight years playing drums in church, developing a deep understanding of performance and musical storytelling.

“I grew up playing music before I ever started rapping,” he said. “Music has always been part of my life.”

That early connection to rhythm became the foundation for Cariswing, a genre Clarke describes as a Caribbean interpretation of Afro swing. The sound blends elements of soca, dancehall, reggae, hip-hop and R&B to create music that reflects the experiences of Caribbean people living across the world.

The artist first gained attention with songs like “GT Boy,” a tribute to Georgetown, Guyana, which helped him embrace his heritage and connect with audiences in the diaspora.

“I realized I had to understand my own culture more,” Clarke said. “The more I learned about where I came from, the more it became part of my music.”

Outside of performing, Clarke has built experience as a creative storyteller. He earned a bachelor’s degree in media production with a minor in photography from Baruch College, where he helped grow WBMB Baruch College Radio and developed skills that later led to production work with MTV and REVOLT.

Since officially launching his recording career in 2020, Spincity Chris has performed at cultural events including Guyana Day celebrations and Caribbean Night Long Island, using his platform to highlight the richness of Guyanese and Caribbean culture.

Through “AWI,” he hopes listeners connect with the energy, pride and diversity of the Caribbean experience.

“Your culture is to your advantage,” he said. “The things that make you different are the things that make your story powerful.”