Andre Jebbinson, Staff Reporter

Andrene Lewis. - Contributed

Andrene Lewis' life philosophy is 'as long as there is breath there is hope'. These are two characteristics she needs as she prepares to make it big singing gospel music. She knows she has the talent and cannot wait to explode on the scene.

"All I can think about is music. I eat, drink and sleep music. It is life. It is everything to me. To be honest, I cannot see myself doing anything else but music," Lewis told The Sunday Gleaner.

Her quest to become an artiste began around 1998, but shifted focus when she turned her life over to the Lord the following year. When she first started singing it was simply about pleasing her mother, and Lewis got involved in all the choirs she could. She then realised she has a true passion for music.

While finding that passion she also realised she was not only a good singer but could also write songs.

"I see where God has called me to win souls for him through singing and writing. I feel he has blessed me with that ability," she said.

It is a blessing that Lewis will not take lightly. In bid to be as strident as she can with her calling, Lewis has entered many gospel song competitions, including the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission's National Gospel Competition.

In early 2006 Lewis met with Gareth Hamm of Lighthouse Records. He heard her, saw her potential and decided to take her under his wings. Lately Lewis has performed on the Recharge, Ewarton Jerk Festival and Christ Birth concerts.

No struggle

Not many artistes can say this, but Lewis said she has not had any struggles in the business. Instead, the Lord continues to pour the blessings on her.

"I am just giving God thanks for what has happened so far ... I had guys come over to me to tell me they were blessed by my performance. That was really good," she said.

Lewis is spending as much time as she can in the studio while writing as many songs as she can. She is hoping to have an album out by 2008 and is anticipating the release of a single she recorded with Calvin 'Prodigal' Whilby.

That is only the beginning. The island of Jamaica is not enough for her and, since her mission is ordained, there is no doubt in her mind that she will reach the top.

"I am looking to move from this level to being an international star," Lewis said.