Jamaican reggae and gospel singer Chevelle Franklyn today celebrates her 48th year.

Born in St Catherine, the star displayed signs of her music ability from as early as age 14. Officially joining the music scene at age 17, 1998 saw a turn for the her as she made a seismic shift in her career, where she moved from dancehall reggae into gospel reggae.

“I was about to sing Dancehall Queen and I just said to the people, ‘I can’t do this,’ and I started to bawl. The people were staring at me. I said there’s a song that I want to sing, Kirk Franklin’s Silver and Gold so I sang that on stage.” Fraklyn said.

Chevelle has also achieved some regional and international success. In honour of the star’s birthday, here are eight of her songs to add to your playlist.

8. No Foreign God

This song is perhaps based on Psalm 81:9 “There shall no strange god be in thee. Neither shalt thou worship any foreign God“.

The 2017 track was released on the singer’s Set Time album. On the track, she vows that no other god is able to take the place of her Lord and Saviour.

7. Another Saturday Night

Another Saturday Night from 2011’s JOY album, is a song in which Franklyn talks about the temptations she feels with the playing of secular music. Franklyn, who appears to be alone, notes that there are many times she has to look within herself to do her best to remain strong and of the faith.

This feel-good song by the artiste, shows that Franklyn, a popular and admired figure in the Christian community, is like any other Christian. She tells her listeners that, like them, she faces temptations as well, and indirectly let’s them know that, just like her, they can overcome.

5. iPrevail

iPrevail was released in 2020. For the majority of the track the singer repeats the line ‘I Prevail’, seemingly convincing herself and declaring to others that, through God, she has the ability to win and triumph over any unfortunate circumstance or obstacle.

4. Joy

The gospel artiste, through Joy, declares God as her everything, noting that He brings delight, jubilation and happiness into her life. The singer also reminisces on her past, a time when she was not close to God, saying, “I realise that my life was surely missing you.”

Joy, one of her most popular tracks, was released in 2011 on her album of the same name.

4. Dancehall Queen

Dancehall Queen, featuring self-proclaimed King of the Dancehall Beenie Man, was released a year prior to her conversion to Christianity. On the feel-good rhythm, both Franklyn and the Girls Dem Suga deejay retell the story from the Jamaican-made feature film of the same name and it protagonist who, through her talent and greatness, will “mash up di place”.

The track was featured on the soundtrack to the movie.

3. Mr Loverman

Mr Loverman, a track from dancehall veteran Shabba Ranks, featuring Franklyn, was released in 1997 on his Rappin’ With The Ladies album.

The track was produced by Mikey Bennet and Clifton ‘Specialist’ Dillon. Ranks confidently lets the woman he pursues know that, if her interest is love, then he is the guy for her. The Dancehall Queen singer appears on the chorus where she urges the champion lover, “no ease up tonight”.

2. King Jesus

King Jesus, the gospel rendition of Franklyn’s secular hit, Dancehall Queen, was released in 2006 on her His Way album.

In this version of the song, Franklyn declares Jesus as ‘the only King for life’, telling her fans that if they receive him, they will be able to do great things in their life. She also vows that she will never run from the Lord, and will go wherever he needs her to be.

1. Radio Is Playing It

Another song from the artiste’s JOY album, and one of most her popular to date, Franklyn appears to be having one of the best moments of her life while listening to gospel on her radio. Another one of her groovy tunes, Franklyn, in the feel good mood she gets from listening to the gospel track, lets listeners know how inclined she is to increase the volume.

Her lyrics also indicate that she has no shame ‘sitting on the rhythm’ and singing the Word of God, showing that gospel music can be enjoyed just as much as secular music.