Judith Henry

Friends are companions on a journey who aid each other to persevere on the road to a happier life. (Kahlil Gibran)

In a friend you find a second self. (Isabelle Norton)

Chevelle Franklyn is recognised as an outstanding reggae gospel artiste and an international award-winning musician.

She began her career in the music industry as a teenager when she recorded her first single, Here I Am and has been nurtured by some of the top names in Jamaica's music industry.

She recorded her smash hit, Nice and Naughty followed by another single, No Pushover in 1992. She also collaborated with well-known artistes such as Spragga Benz on A1 Lover in 1996 and Shabba Ranks on his album, Mr Lover Man, in 1991. In 1997, she recorded the internationally acclaimed album, Dancehall Queen, with Beenie Man for Island Records. The album made her a household name in dancehall in Jamaica, the United Kingdom and the United States.

In 1998, Chevelle ended her secular music career when she gave her life to the Lord. Since then she has been achieving great success as a gospel reggae artiste and has earned many international awards, including the Marlin Award, arising from a collaboration with Papa San on his award-winning album, Victory, in 2000.

Her other accolades include the 2006 Marlin Award for Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year (Female); the Maja Awards 2006 for Female Vocalist of the Year and the 2008 Reggae Academy Award for Best Solo Female Vocal Gospel Artiste.

Her first gospel album, JOY, was released in 2001 and it received 12 nominations in the Sixth Annual Caribbean Gospel Music Marlin Awards in 2002. She received awards in five categories.

In 2005, she produced another gospel album, His Way and in 2007 she kicked off her tour of South Africa and producing a 13-track album, Shake it Off, featuring South Africa's leading worship leaders and music ministers, which was released in 2008.

Best friend, Judith Henry, corporate secretary at the National Housing Trust, shares interesting insights about Chevelle including her passion for excellence and her versatility as a musician.

1. How did you meet Chevelle and how long have you been friends?

We have been friends for about eight years. I was introduced to Chevelle one day after church (Swallowfield Chapel) by a mutual friend. At the time I didn't realise who she was but I found it easy to talk to her and there was something about her that I liked. After that we would meet after church to talk and we found that we shared common interests. We both have a love for music and so that connected me to her as well.

2. Tell us what you admire most about her and why you think you have remained friends all these years?

I admire her generosity of spirit and candor. We have remained friends because we share common interests such as cooking and interior decorating. Even though our schedules don't always permit us to physically see each other, whenever we do there is no obvious gap in how we relate to each other.

3.Tell us something interesting about her

Chevelle is a gifted and versatile music minister. She is also a very talented songwriter and musical director. Some years ago I had the opportunity to see her in action. I had the responsibility, together with my husband, of coordinating a Valentine's Day event for married couples and her work in shaping an excellent and inspiring production with a group of very talented musicians and ministers was really awesome.

4. What are some of the things you talk about when you get together?

We discuss any and everything! Our discussions range widely from landscape design, interior decorating, gourmet cooking, songwriting, music, our husbands, our aspirations and future plans for our families. We encourage each other in the things of the Lord and we also spend a lot of time talking about how to improve the lives of other Christian artistes, which is a passion of hers.

5. Share with us one of the happiest moments you have experienced with her.

The most precious times spent together have been our several trips to the country ... just talking and enjoying the beautiful countryside. We do this quite often as she loves nature.

The launch of JOY, Chevelle's first album in 2001 after she committed her life to Christ was another joyful moment.

6. Tell us the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Chevelle and why?

When I think of Chevelle I think of someone with a passion for excellence. She believes that as a minister of music only her best will do for Christ and this is usually her message to others. She does not accept mediocrity.

7. Tell us the colours that you associate with her:

Yellow - signifying someone you'll never forget.

Orange - signifying someone you consider your true friend.

Red - signifying someone you really love.

Green - signifying someone who has had a significant impact on your life.

I associate the colour orange with Chevelle. A true friend is one who knows your weaknesses and strengths and positively impacts your life and that is who Chevelle is to me. She is a true sister in the Lord and the sister I never had. Sometimes it is not possible for us to see each other but whenever we do we just pick up as if it was a conversation we had yesterday. Just by her being there for me and being someone I can call upon, and who understands, is invaluable to me and that's what makes our friendship special.

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