Artist Name: Chevelle Franklyn
Birth Name: Chevelle Franklyn
Birth Place and Date: Tawes Pen, St Catherine, Jamaica
Official Bio
Chevelle Franklyn has emerged on the gospel music scene as one of the most outstanding Ministers of Music over the past nine years. Her insight as a songwriter/producer, vocal capacity as a singer, and her anointing as a worshiper has ensured her success as a leading, international, multiple award-winning Psalmist.
As a child prodigy in the industry, Chevelle recorded her first single – “Here I Am” produced by Rohan Harrison –and it was released in her early teens. Public reaction to its debut was incredibly positive and indicated that Chevelle had a future in the industry.
Nurtured by some of the top names among Jamaica’s music producers, Chevelle soon marked out a distinctive territory in Jamaica’s dancehall culture scene. Her future took a rosy turn when she began working with producers Mikey Bennett and Rohan Harrison. She recorded her smash hit “Nice and Naughty”, followed by another single, “No Pushover” in 1992..., again produced by Mikey Bennett.
This led to collaborations with household names such as Shabba Ranks “Mr. Lover Man” in 1991. In 1997, Chevelle hit a lucrative opportunity to record the internationally acclaimed “Dancehall Queen” with Beenie Man, for Island Records of which the soundtrack was used for the equally successful movie of the same name.
Chevelle was now a household name in Jamaica, the UK, the Caribbean and America. During 1996 and 1997, she toured the major cities of these countries, performing at venues such as New York Apollo and Reggae Sumfest Jamaica.
But despite the great success, there remained a gaping hole in her soul. In 1998, during a concert, Chevelle, tired of the empty way of life and hopelessness, suddenly declared on stage a change of direction in her career and lifestyle – she decided to become a Christian. As a symbol of her signature to this new change, she sang Kirk Franklin’s song, “Silver and Gold” on stage. She said, “I did not hear a message or anything, but I felt the calling of God. I just broke down on the stage and said, ‘I can’t do this anymore.’ I knew there was something better out there.” Chevelle gave her life to the Lord ending all her secular contractual agreements, walking away from international hit song “Dancehall Queen.”
Better certainly did come and since that change Chevelle has been combining her new expression with the energetic lyrical style that had made her a great success. A collaboration with Papa San, in 2000, on his award-winning album, Victory, led to a Marlin Award for her vocal appearance on the track Touch from you. She wrote the first page in the history of her new lifestyle with her first gospel album, “Joy”- a co-production effort with Danny Brownie, for Mainstreet Records. The album stirred up an international storm when it was released in 2001, and led to a tour around the UK, the Caribbean and the USA.
One of her aims in its recording, Joy, was to deal with real issues facing young people. She said, “Songs like ‘It’s Another Saturday Night,’ deal with real issues for young Christian people. It’s a real struggle – sometimes your friends are out partying and you feel left out, so this is what the song is dealing with.”
For her efforts, “Joy” led to 12 nominations in the Sixth Annual Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards, in 2002. Chevelle walked away with awards in five categories-Outstanding New Artist of the Year; Adapted Recording of the Year, for “Firm Foundation”; Female Reggae Recording of the Year, for “Magnify His Name”; Contemporary Female Vocal Performance of the Year, for “Joy”; and Album of the Year, also for Joy.
Chevelle’s Spiritual covering is Bishop John Francis of Ruach Ministries, London and her spiritual mother is Pastor Enid Stewart. She has seen God use the ministry to empower and equipped her for Music Ministry. In 2004, Chevelle ministered at The International Gathering of Champions’ 04, hosted by Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, Senior Pastor, Kingsway International Christian Centre – London. She shared the platform with, Dr Ron Kenoly, and the KICC Mass Choir along with prominent speakers such as Bishop Eddie Long, Bishop T. D. Jakes, Bishop David Oyedepo, Dr. Mike Murdock, Bishop David Oyedepo, Pastor Robb,Thompson, Bishop Keith Butler, Dr Mensah Otabil, Prophetess Juanita Bynum, and Dr. Morris Cerullo... “Chevelle Franklyn has ministered several times at KICC. Her testimony is inspiring, and her humility is refreshing. We keep inviting her back because her exuberance and love for the Lord overflow as she ministers - for this reason she is always welcome at KICC.”
In 2004, Chevelle also ministered at the Festival of Life ‘A Double Portion’, which was night of prayer, worship and inspirational teachings @ the Excel Docklands London, attracting over 15,000 people. The Conference was hosted by Pastor E.A Adeboye from Nigeria with other ministries from Vinesong and The Festival of Life Mass Choir.
In 2005, and with much excitement, God continued to take the ministry into new territories, like Austria, Germany, Holland, and Kenya. During her tours, Chevelle has shared the stage with renowned gospel legends like, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Kirk Franklin, Kurt Carr, Stephen Hurd, Israel Haughton, Martha Munizzi and Michael W. Smith to name a few. Chevelle produced her new gospel album, His Way, that very same year, and it was released in April 2006, on her very own Label called N.O.W Records, (No Other Way). Her industry accolades include 2006 Marlin Awards- Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year Female-“Each Time;” The Joe Gibbs award En Sound Award for His Way album, Maja Awards, Jamaica 2006 for Female Vocalist of the Year; IRAWMA Best Gospel Song “King Jesus” from His Way album, 2008, Reggae Academy Award, Best Solo Female Vocal Gospel Artist, “Pray for Peace” and recently the 2009 Oraclez International Caribbean Gospel Award.
Late 2007 Chevelle kicked off touring in South Africa and producing a 13 Track album called ‘Shake It Off’ featuring South Africans’ leading Worship leaders and Music Ministers. The album, with much enthusiasm, is due for a May 2009 Release. She also ministered at the Rhema Bible Church, Johannesburg, earlier 2007 saw Chevelle minister at Dr. Morris Cerullo’s, Partners School of Ministry in Washington D.C., Labour Day event.
2008 Saw Chevelle collaborating with GRAMMY®, Stellar and Dove Award-winning Israel Houghton on a Reggae track called ‘Surley Goodness’ featured on his album ’The Power Of One’ and Chevelle also preformed at The Experience, Lagos Nigeria…. she was the only minister representing the Caribbean at the largest Gospel concert in the world attracting 400,000 people.
‘The Experience will be remembered for the rest of my life i was deeply humbled that the Lord opened a door a great and effective one like this to be shared with so many other International ministers but more than anything else the people of Nigeria showed me that they are true worshipers and I was so glad that i saw another level when the rain came God showed up and showed off, I was at the right place at the right time.
Chevelle is now in the studio finishing up the final touches to her new project Set Apart due for a 2010 Release….. “I am so excited about this project, God has opened Nations to me, so therefore he has deposited a sound for the nations and this is an expression of my journey thus far.”
Exclusive Interview with GospelReggae.com
GR: Why did you choose the title "His Way", for your second release"?
CF: Because I am at a place in my Christian life now where I do what God wants me to do. I am not concerned about material things. These tracks explain personal experiences I have had in my life and how God helped me work them out. For me it has to be an album with a message that will create change in people's lives. It is really about what He wants me to do and where He wants me to go -- His Way.
GR: Tell us about your song "Would You Go"...
CF: We always say we will do anything for God or go anywhere for God, but when there is no stretch limousine waiting to take us there, we are not sure. The question is will you really go? For example, I was saying, Lord, I will go anywhere you want me to go. But, the question was, would I really go?
GR: How do you respond to people that criticize you for taking dancehall rhythms into the church?
CF: The Bible says that we are all fishers of men, and not all fish can be caught with the same hook. You can't blame the church too much, they can only do so much, and you can't force truth down people's throats. But there is a radicalness that is needed. Christians need to come out of their comfort zone and share the gospel with others. We need to step out in faith, not in fear. Some of us who are in the body of Christ are not really brave enough. Where there is fear, we need faith.
GR: Do you read the Bible everyday ... and would you mind sharing a current thought or revelation with the readers?
CF:I wouldn't say everyday but at least 5 days per week, the other 2 days I sit staring at the mountains around me and watching the birds flying in so many different trees and making melodies in there churps (ha ha ha) I was reading Mark 8 verses 11 and 13. It just reminded me that everyday you will be tested, so let nothing surprise you, and that the ones who the devil uses are the very people who you know, you don't have to keep proving yourself to them over and over again. Jesus didn't he refused to play their games, the Bible says He left them and got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. So don't let them get you down, its time to go into the boat and cross over.
GR: Gospel Music has seen a lot heap of changes in the last few years, with previously frowned upon genres such as dancehall now being more accepted. What are your thoughts on all this?
CF: Isaiah 43 verse 19 says "See I am doing a new thing now it springs up, do you not perceive it, I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." It's about what and who God is using for His will to be accomplished here on earth. The dancehall Gospel sprang up and nobody saw it coming, it's not in line with how tradition had planned it, the method had to be different but the message remains the same to reach those who seem unreachable. The real test is, are there any fruits -- as God’s currency is souls
GR: What would you say to encourage anyone reading this who is not yet a Christian?
CF: God has been calling you to come as you are and many times you have said soon but soon is not on your side, you do not have time, tomorrow is promised to no one. Call on Him while He is near. Do not wait until it's too late. Christ said; "Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden and I will give you rest."
Ministry
When ministry supersedes industry, anointing can override strategy
Discography
Chevelle Franklyn, His Way, 2005
Chevelle Franklyn, Joy, 2001
Dancehall Queen (CD-Single) Beenie Man & Chevelle Franklyn (Secular) 1997
Chevelle Franklyn, Serious Girl (Secular) 1996
Other Albums Featuring Chevelle:
Various Artists, Dancehall Baptism 2
Various Artists, Reggae Redemption Songs
Prodigal Son, Radikal Prodigal
Various Artists, YOW! Chapter 2
Junior Tucker, Ready for the Rapture
Soldiers of Jesus Christ, Called To Serve
Various Artists, YOW! - Chapter 1
Christafari and Friends, Dancehall Baptism 1
Concerts
There are currently no upcoming events listed.
Contact / Booking:
Booking:
POSITIVE MUSIC AGENCY
Kevin McIntyre (President)
USA: (310) 539-9009
UK: +44 (0)161-870-6651
BRAZIL: +55 62-8101-0801
Fax (toll-free): +1 (310) 494-9359
E-mail: kevin{at}positivemusicagency.com
Site: http://www.positivemusicagency.com
Positive Music Agency
1942 259th Place
Lomita, CA, 90717, USA
Manager:
Colin Watts H.I.P Productions
PO Box 5754
Liguanea, Kingston 6
Jamaica W.I
Jamaica: (876) 968 4063 / f + (876) 920 2641
UK: 01144 (0)20 70780364 / f + 011 44 (0)20 691 1624
USA: 1 (954) 3691064
Official EMail:
info@chevellefranklyn.com
Official Website:
http://chevellefranklyn.com
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