Interview with Chevelle Franklyn

This interview was arranged by Seyi Adebowale with our cover guest: an Award winning Singer Songwriter based in South Africa. 

Born in the Tawes Pen area of Spanish Town in St. Catherine Parish, Franklyn was the fourth in a family of ten children. She was forced to leave school at the age of fourteen to help support her family, and found work singing at hotels and resorts. After a year or two, she came to Kingston and worked with various producers there…

In 1998 Franklyn was about to perform “Dancehall Queen” on stage during a concert and instead performed Kirk Franklin’s gospel song “Silver and Gold”, announcing that she had become a Christian. After collaborations in 2000 with deejays Papa San (“Touch From You”) and Lieutenant Stitchie (“Mr. Lover” – a charting hit in the US[4]), she released her first gospel album, Joy, in 2001, toured internationally, and won (in 2002) 5 Caribbean Gospel Reggae Marlin Awards. Further , in this interview, you will learn a little more about our cover star. Enjoy!

You were once familiar and known with the world of Shabba Ranks (Mr Lover man). Please tell us,  how did it happen and what made you do a 180 degree?

I actually grew up in the music business being close to some of Jamaica’s legendary songwriter and producers. I could say I was at the right place at the right time with the right voice. What made me do the 180°  the right song. Was that no matter how much I tried to fill the void with other things it didn’t work. I was always aware that only by serving God that I will be able to fulfilled my greater purpose and I also knew the scripture that said what does it profit a man to gain the world and loose his soul and so I was trying my best not to lose my soul for the things of the world. I always had a desire deep down to serve God yet at the same time telling God I’m not ready yet.

I believe that when one is born again their appetite does change and their lifestyle has to reflect Godliness. No being conformed to this world but there has to be a obvious transformation old things have pass away all become new. I do believe it will reflect in every area of our lives. There should be no confusion of my identity through my lifestyle the clothes I wear and my behaviour.

In one of your numerous interviews with the media, you said, ‘there are many sides to your life…’ Can you share with us, any depressive moment you have had; what caused it; and how you navigated your way through?

I said in my interview I have different sides meant I’m not just a minister of music but gifted in other areas. what I meant by that was not about the negative’s things but really about other gifts and talents that I do have that’s what I was talking. I’ve had many challenges like everyone else but I have learned to bounce back from them and I am more grateful to God now for they happen because the lessons that I learned from them I could not have learned any other way. So, while you’re going through your valley just understand that God knows what’s best for you he will allow things to happen and that thing will bring you to the place that he has orchestrated for you to be. It’s all about His purpose for your life. Just like Jonah being in the belly of the fish, Joseph being sold as a slave, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the furnace, and Hannah being Barren.

At  the MHM we are committed to seeing a mental wellness culture driven society: our core message is mental wellness as it relates to our lifestyle, w-ork etc. Why is there, in recent times, a record high incidence of suicide in the church?  What can be done…?

I believe for a long time we were always so focus on dealing with the spirit man and not the whole man but glory be to God there has been a major awakening . Many churches are now seeing the need for therapist the need for psychologist and psychiatrist, God uses them also to help bring another level of healing to his body. So I just believe that the reason we didn’t have the proper balance was a lack of knowledge, understanding and how to treat these issues. So now moving forward we are able to bring more awareness to it.

What’s life like growing up as a teenager?

There were a lot of great moments for me growing up as a teenager I guess because I was traveling going and going many different places and meeting a lot of different people that would contribute to my growth and self-worth. I salute the music business for the opportunity I got from it.

At what point did you notice that music is your calling?

From I was about 13 years old after doing my first recording that was the moment I realize this was what my life will be for the rest of my days. When I sang I would see how it changed the atmosphere and change people’s mood and so I knew right then and there that this was what I was going to do and as difficult as the life’s process was I couldn’t let it go and it wouldn’t let me go.

Before the ‘ha-ha’ moment that led to the composition of ‘Go in Your Strength’ what was going through your mind?

I did not have a ha ha moment I had a Holy Ghost moment. I had my own songs written before with all intentions to do then but right then and there when I got to South Africa, God said to me what if all that you brought with you I don’t want it and my response was ok Lord whatever you want. Within 5-10 minutes He downloaded Go In your Strength into my spirit.

What is in your bucket list for the rest of the year?

I will tell you 2, Certainly to grow in the word and to start South Wind Vol 2

Are there any planned future collaborations outside music?

I always have none music projects that I am collaborating on, I have just started my Foundation and looking forward to those projects… watch this space.

What is your take on this? Worship, Peace of mind, and Excellence.

We must work on our walk with the Lord more than your working on perfecting your stage performance. Many people have the stage right and their hearts wrong; having an understanding of the quality of God should bring you peace of mind that He’s never late He will always be on time. True Worship will only birth Excellent. You are aware of who your representing so you bring nothing less than your best.

”…having an understanding of the quality of God should bring you peace of mind…”