Cheryline Ernestine Lim, known professionally as Che'Nelle, launched her recording career by uploading self-produced music to Myspace. This digital presence attracted Sir Charles Dixon, leading to a contract with Virgin Records America by late 2005. Her international career has since spanned multiple record labels and markets, with notable success in Japan and consistent chart activity throughout the 2000s and 2010s.
Early Development and International Relocation
Born in 1983 in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, to a Chinese father and a mother of Dutch and Indian heritage, Lim moved to Perth, Australia, at the age of 10. She developed her early vocal skills by singing in her father's karaoke lounge. After securing a six-album deal with Virgin Records America, she relocated to New York City in January 2006 to focus on her professional output.
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Her debut studio album, Things Happen for a Reason, reached listeners in Japan on 25 September 2007 and Australia on 29 October 2007. The project included the single 'I Fell in Love with the DJ', featuring Jamaican artist Cham, which she also recorded in Bahasa Malaysia. Beyond her own work, she contributed to songwriting for artists including Carmit Bachar, Ricki-Lee Coulter, and Leona Lewis. By 2017, she had completed her contract with the Universal Music Japan sublabel Virgin Music.
Expansion into Japanese and Global Markets
Following her debut, Che'Nelle released Feel Good in 2010. In 2011, she transitioned to a cover-focused direction with the album Luv Songs, featuring interpretations of tracks by Ne-Yo, Minnie Ripperton, and Whitney Houston. Her career also crossed into performance art, notably appearing in the 2015 Fantasy on Ice tour alongside figure skater Yuzuru Hanyu. After signing with Avex Trax in 2023, she released the single 'I Am' and collaborated with Drax Project on a 2025 version of 'Woke Up Late'.
Fast facts
- Born: 1983
- Birthplace: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- Citizenship: Malaysia
- Stage Name: Che'Nelle
- Debut Album: Things Happen for a Reason (2007)
- Record Labels: Virgin Records America, Universal Music Japan, Avex Trax
Questions readers ask
Where was Che'Nelle born?
She was born in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Which label did she sign with in 2023?
She signed with the label Avex Trax.
