Chevelle FranklynWHAT dancehall has lost gospel has gained. Chevelle Franklyn and Papa San have crossed over to the gospel arena and are now churchgoers. However, the dancehall intrigue in terms of lyrics and stage demeanour remain in tact.
Both artiste gave a spirited performance last Wednesday night at Cinema ll, New Kingston, when the Emanuel Music Ministry presented a gospel expose entitled, Kirk Franklin Returns, and got a footstomping response from the over-zealous crowd.
It was a sight to behold as the churchgoers kept church, danced and gyrated with wild abandon.
It was scary at times to be in the unruly throng, who eventually broke loose through the retaining barrier in front of the stage to get on down to the thumping rhythms emanating from the speaker boxes.
There was seemed to be little respect for each other's rights. Example, they blocked the view of seated persons and on the dictates of Papa San, who demanded that they hoist their chairs above the head.
Anything which one experienced at a pop concert at the Stadium bleachers or "zinc fence" was all there at Wednesday night's gospel fest.
The Emanuel Mass Choir was outstanding in their delivery. They used good performance techniques and brilliant showmanship to please patrons. They gave a good mix which ranged from inspirational gospel songs to wild mento/revival roots rhythm.
They displayed distinct diction pure tonal quality and a keen sense of rhythm and timing. The crowd went wild with their contemporary medley of songs.
