Meet Ché (Ché Butta) Chin King | Lyric Coloratura Soprano

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ché (Ché Butta) Chin King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ché (Ché Butta), why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
To be honest, my original plan did not include the path that I’m currently on. I was going to be a web developer. I was told at a very young age that singing was a hobby, and not a career. So, even though my heart was in music, I didn’t think that it was something I could pursue as a career.

The only reason I decided on music is because of my husband. On our honeymoon, he turned to me and asked what I was going to do with the gift of music that God had given to me. I was shocked!! He and I had been friends for 15 years, before even dating, and in all of that time, he never mentioned, music, or what I was doing with my career, or anything like that! I guess he felt since we were married, now he had the opportunity to say some thing . So he did. It’s only because he spoke up, and made me realize that I had a responsibility to not only steward over the gift I was given, but also share that gift with the world. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

What sets me apart from others?

I am a Lyric Coloratura Soprano. That means that I have a light voice and I sing very high, BUT I do not primarily sing opera as most Coloratura Sopranos do. Instead I sing other genres of music that appeal to my artistry and allow me to express from my heart. I have a passion for singing about Jesus. I draw inspiration from Broadway and big band music and basically anything really high.

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What you are most proud of or excited about?

In this season I am most excited about a couple different things. First I am releasing a single in September! I am so honored to be able to share a tribute to my Grammy that I wrote after she passed from natural causes in 2020. It was a huge loss for my family as she lived with us for the more than the last decade of her life. When you lose someone you love, no matter how you lose them, you are better able to empathize with those around who have also experienced loss. So I wrote this song to not only process my feelings from losing my Grammy, but also to share with those who might also feel as I.

Another thing I am excited about is my new album coming out next year 2024! I’m working with a wonderfully talented, classically trained local musician, who has immense skill in song arranging! He and I are working together on a collection of hymns that I love, shared they way I hear them in my mind. I’m hoping to create a picture with my music that will move my listeners and supporters as it moves. Me. The album is called “Hymn-agination”.

At the same time I am also writing a couple of different songs that will be coming out after the album is released next year. I am excited about these songs because they are originals that talk about my own journey as a mother, as an artist, as a Jesus lover, and as a woman.

Was it easy to get to where I am professionally?

No, not at all. I am a wife, a caregiver and a mother of two. Being a mother by itself is not an easy thing. The challenge here is that I did not start chasing down a music career professionally until after getting married and having children. Balancing my home life and being dedicated to my craft is not an easy thing. It’s been trying and very daunting, but God has kept me. He placed a calling on my life, and as long as I am breathing, I have to try to live this purpose.

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How did I overcome the challenges?

With a lot of prayer, good nutrition, exercise, encouragement, work, and organization. Pretty much all day long, I am singing and talking to God. It’s what keeps me from going crazy I think. He keeps me steady even when life is in upheaval. For that I am SO thankful.

I have always been very anemic. But my energy for the past several years has been unbearably low. After some iron infusions, diet changes, and a regular exercise regimen, I am finally able to think more clearly and focus on getting through the tasks that are stepping stones to the goals I’ve set for myself.

My family is such a source of encouragement. Honestly if it were up to me I probably would have quit chasing music already. But they believe in me and encourage me to keep going!! It’s a blessing I do not take for granted.

Finally I create to-do lists pretty regularly. I also set up schedules and reminders in my phone to get different tasks done. Getting the work done is challenging on its own. Finding the time to get the work done is SO hard. But between the to-do lists, schedules, calendars, and reminders, I keep moving forward.

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What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way?

I think the biggest lesson I am learning right now is Consistency. Being consistent in why dedication to my craft, being consistent in how to take care of my husband and my children, being consistent as a caregiver to the elder members of my family. That consistency, God has been keeping at the forefront of everything. To those who are working in the arts, I would say the rate at which you grow your skill, create content, promote yourself, should have a tempo that is seasonal and sustainable. That kind of consistency helps overcome a lot of obstacles in pursing the Arts as a career.

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What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?

I think the biggest takeaway from my story is that it’s never too late. It’s never too late to follow God’s call on your life. We are God’s handiwork. We were created for purpose; to share light and love with another. So as long as there is breath in my lungs, that’s what I am going to do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Right now one of the places. I totally enjoy going is the Ponce city market. I love the vendors and the shops there! I also love that they have a public piano!

You never know what’s happening on the rooftop, or what artists you can find in that area.

It’s clean, has a lot of different foods for different tastes, AND there’s parking!!!

After that, my friends and I would probably head home and binge watch something on Netflix lol

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this shout out to my Aunt Marie. She saw the gift of music in me, and believed in me before anyone did. She took the time to share music with me, and encourage me to use my voice. If it had not been for her foresight, I probably would not be doing what I’m doing now.

Instagram: @che.butta

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@CheButta

Image Credits
Kim Roseberry Antoine Stephenson