Fabian Ledgister, Staff Reporter
WITH A voice that defies her youthful appearance, gospel artiste Kerron Ennis is now being celebrated as the 'next big thing' in the gospel arena, according to national religious radio station Love 101.
What is even more remarkable is that the singer has absolutely no voice training, instead relying on her 15 years of experience as a singer in her church's choir.
ON TOP
With her single Daddy Oh sitting at number one for three weeks straight on Gospel Train, Love FM's gospel countdown with Kacey Wyatt, and currently also number one on Praise FM in St. Lucia, the gospel singer has come a far way from a timid eight-year-old choir member at the Boulevard Church of the Nazarene.
Though the wider public was first exposed to Kerron as a second runner-up in the 2003 JCDC Gospel Song Competition, she says music has been her life for as far back as she can remember.
"Aside from church, my involvement in the school's choir as choir director was where I realised that I could make a career from singing, but at the time I thought I was going to be a music teacher," reminisced Kerron.
Acknowledging the skill of their choir director the administration of Merl Grove High School honoured Kerron with three awards during her time there. These were 'Most Outstanding Student In Music', 'Excellence In Music', and a 'Special Award' for her contribution to the school's choir.
HINT OF THINGS TO COME
This was just a hint of what was to come, for a few years later Kerron Ennis was approached by gospel producers Margaret Clarke and Clifton Johnny Clarke. After meeting in 2002 they were overwhelmed by the young singer's vocal prowess and entered her in the 2003 JCDC Gospel Song Competition.
The competition allowed the nation to hear Ennis' gift and though she was not the winner that year, her second runner-up position confirmed that Kerron had true talent. More importantly, though, the title came with the opportunity to record a single with the other finalists in the competition that year. "No Wonder was the first time I heard my own voice on recording," stated Kerron
The song was written by Clifton Clarke and Margaret Clarke and featured other finalists of the JCDC competition.
Still only 23, Kerron now has five songs receiving regular rotation on Love 101 and gospel stations abroad. They are We Need God, featuring Stichie, Awesome Experience, God Is By Your Side, God Loves You and the chart topping Daddy Oh, featuring DJ Nicholas. Kerron now realises that she has become a source of inspiration and guidance for many, and assures her fans that her music is all positive.
"My songs are good because people are being blessed by it and in a time of poverty, its good for people to know that God is still providing," says Ennis.
Now under the management of Marjon Musik, the singer has been hard at work in the studios, preparing her new album for release before the year's end. "We have seen 100 per cent growth in her and her success proves it. She doesn't back down from pressure," commented her manager.
Kerron prides herself on her versatility as a singer, performing to reggae, R&B, worship, and even dancehall music. "Critics might say certain music must not be gospel, but they need to realise that you need to attract youths to Christ... It's not the rhythm, its the message behind it," states Ennis.
Now a member of Perpetual Praise, a worship group led by Nadine Blair of Love 101, Ennis says she values the experience, as it helps her with her socialising skills and also teaches her how to work with people. Kerron Ennis is arguably one of the next big acts in gospel music, and though she attests that she has potential as a secular singer, she is certain that she will forever be a gospel act.
"Based on the things I've been through and God has taken me out of, I am sure that I will forever do gospel till the day I die," affirms Kerron.
