New York – International gospel singer Chevelle Franklyn, who made a successful transition from dancehall to gospel music in 1998, will headline the inaugural Ebenezer’s 75th Anniversary Gospel Concert on Friday, March 14, 2008 at Lehman College, 250 Bedford Park Blvd in the Bronx. Other performers include Unconditional, the EPHN Temples of Praise Dancers and Choeur Magnificant.
Franklyn is no stranger to the limelight. She garnered major success in the early 90’s with smash hits “Nice and Naughty” and “No Pushover” that were staples on reggae charts globally. This led to performances with some of the hottest reggae stars of the day and collaborations with Spragga Benz and dancehall icon Shabba Ranks.
It was however her 1997 combination hit single Dancehall Queen with Beenieman that had this singing sensation soared to musical heights. Over a hard driving drum and bass, disco-fueled rhythm, supplied by the creative genius of Sly and Robbie, Franklyn wailed a tribute to the queen.The song was featured on the “Dancehall Queen” soundtrack for Island Pictures and won her international acclaim. This eventually led to her signing to the Island Jamaica label.
Since abandoning her secular past, she has been winning new fans in the gospel arena combining her new expression with her energetic lyrical style. 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.” Her debut gospel album, Joy, released in 2002, won her five awards at the Caribbean Music Marlin Awards.
Her second disc titled “His Way” is a contemporary gospel masterpiece, that blends upfront Caribbean rhythms with outstanding vocals. “His Way” features the melodic thought-provoking hit single, Come, King Jesus, the outstanding re-make of the international hit song, Dancehall Queen, and Before You, a track which shows the diversity of Chevelle’s ministry as she enters into intimate worship.
