Teino Evans, Staff Reporter
CONTRIBUTED -Franklyn: My intention with this album ('His Way') is not to make a hit song, but songs that can cause change in people's lives.
IT HAS been quite a while since Chevelle Franklyn has performed on the local scene, but the gospel artiste has been working tirelessly to strengthen and further her career.
Recently, Franklyn returned from a major conference in Hackney, London (the Interna-tional Gathering of Champions IGOC), where she was the only Caribbean representative.
"I was the only one representing the Caribbean. There were about 15,000 to 20,000 people there, along with presenters like T.D. Jakes and Juanita Bynum. It was a life-changing experience for me," Franklyn said.
Now Franklyn says she is
working on the release of her new album, entitled His Way, which she hopes to get out in December.
Franklyn, who is very excited about the album, describes it as being slightly different from what persons may be expecting.
"I'm very excited. It's not so much a praise and worship album. It is very versatile and it has dancehall and reggae. My intention with this album is not to make a hit song, but songs that can cause change in people's lives," she said.
LOCAL SHOWS AT A STANDSTILL
In addition, Franklyn also
highlighted that her single from the album, Come, was sending a message to persons to turn away from their wicked ways. She said it speaks to both Christians and
non-Christians.
Franklyn admits that it has been a while since her local fans have been able to see her in action. However, she says some don't think that she still lives in Jamaica.
"I haven't really had much local shows; people just don't think that I'm living in Jamaica and, for some shows, it's just the same artistes being rotated," she said.
However, in the meantime, Franklyn says she has a few overseas gigs lined up and she will be focusing on promoting her work on the international scene. "I have shows coming up in St. Kitts, Holland and Germany and the purpose of these shows is to basically introduce myself to new territories," she said.
Chevelle Franklyn has had to endure many struggles, both
personally and otherwise. Franklyn pointed to the fact that her fans have had to wait a really long time for her new album release, as well as her personal struggles with marriage and the opinions of others of her.
"I think people in Jamaica have been waiting on this album; they think the time is too long, but God was doing something new in me, so I could come with a word that would create change. I believe that this album will definitely come out in the time that it should. You really have to check yourself and know that time is not about you, but what God wants and when he wants," she said.
Outside of worrying about the timing of her album release, Franklyn says she has also had to deal with the opinions that persons have had about her.
DELIVERANCE
"I've been trying to be delivered from people's opinions and what they have to say. There were times when people would stress me about my weight gain, but everybody has their own personal struggles. My struggles may be seen to people, while theirs is hidden, and that doesn't make them different. I still have to accept me and love me for who I am and what I'm going through. I'm still going to go to heaven with or without the weight," Franklyn said.
Now, Franklyn believes that God has healed her from people's opinions and what people think she should be. "I use to be a people pleaser, but that has changed," she said.
As for Franklyn's recent marriage, now a year and five months old, Chevelle said it was very challenging in the initial stages, but it has now brought her into spiritual growth, another dimension in Christ.
"Only strong people can get married and make it work. My issue was submission to a man, but I learnt that submission was not about the man, but about God. Whether the husband is right or wrong you must submit and ensure that you are doing your part," Franklyn explained.
Now she has grown both
spiritually and mentally and, after more than a year of marriage, Franklyn says she and her partner are now best friends. "We still have a long way to go, but I thank God for where we are at now," she said.
Franklyn says there is nothing wrong with dreaming big, because if she wasn't a dreamer she may not have made it to where she is now.
"As a young girl growing up in the ghetto, I was taught so much negative and heard it spoken over my life, but look what God has done," she said. Immediately, a song named Each Time that Franklyn herself had written, came to mind.
Each time you call my name and talk of me
God is listening
Each time you do the things you do to me
God is watching
I'm just reminding you
Now, Chevelle says she is beginning to see the fruits of her labour, as good friends, a family and purposeful career, surround her.
For example, Chevelle pointed out that she has fabulous neighbours who took care of her home during Hurricane Ivan, as she herself was not in the island. "I was in England and it's rare that people look out like that and I thank God for my neighbours, Joanne Archibald and Carole Budhlall," she said.
Franklyn says that for some time she has had the inspiration to establish a special home for young girls, but it will all happen in God's perfect timing.
"I want to have a special home where young girls can come and be exposed to the love of God. All some of them need is a hug or a kind and encouraging word," she said.
Until then, Chevelle says she wants to just encourage Christians to be bold and move forward in faith.
"I believe that God is speaking loudly to His people, to stop being afraid of the things that cannot hurt them. Fear is what is keeping the body of Christ from moving with authority. Fear stops us from operating in our purpose. Everybody is waiting for God to do something, but actually God is waiting for us to do something. God wants us to position ourselves and to come into more revelation of who He is and what He is doing," she said.
