Official Bio

Chevelle Franklyn is without doubt one of the most outstanding Ministers of Music to have arrived on the gospel music scene over the past six years. Her energy as a performer, 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 work, "Here I Am", produced by Rohan Harrison - at the tender age of 14 but the single was not released until she was 17. Public reaction to its eventual intro was hugely 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 Spragga Benz, for "A1 Lover" 1996 and Shabba Ranks for "Mr. Lover Man" 1991. In 1997, Chevelle hit a lucrative opportunity to record the internationally acclaimed "Dancehall Queen" with Beenie Man, for Island Records. The soundtrack was used for the equally successful movie of the same name, in 1997. Chevelle was now a household name in Jamaica, the UK, the Islands and America. During 1996 and 1997, Chevelle toured the major cities of these countries, performing at venues such as New York Apollo and Reggae Sumfest Jamaica.
Chevelle Franklyn has shared the stage with the following; The Fugees, Alicia Keys, Mary J Blige, Ricky Martin, Boys II Men, Shaggy, Brian & Tony Gold, Dennis Brown, Miriam Makeba and Jimmy Cliff to name a few...

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."

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 2000 collaboration with Papa San 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".

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

		Chevelle Franklyn His Way				Chevelle Franklyn Joy

Concerts

There are currently no upcoming events listed.

Contact / Booking:

Booking Agent/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

Chat with this artist or their fans in the official Chevelle Franklyn forum

Photos