Fresh off her phenomenal performance at Africa’s largest live gospel music festival, ‘The Experience’, Jamaican sensation Chevelle Franklyn is raising her voice in a call for greater unity and a more supportive local gospel industry.
Franklyn, who is one of the headliners of the RESET 2025 gospel music experience set for January 4, 2025, in Mandeville, is urging fellow musicians to actively support efforts to transform the music industry. RESET 2025 will also feature gospel icon Pastor Tyrone Thompson, aka Papa San among other gospel greats.
“RESET is more than just a concert. It’s a movement that we hope all of the gospel music fraternity will join. When we were approached with this concept, we knew right away that it was the right thing to do. One of the most important elements of RESET is the focus on support for those within our community who may have retired or no longer able to take care of themselves. It’s so important that we celebrate our own, and I’m happy to see Lester Lewis here tonight getting the recognition and acknowledgement he so richly deserves,” said Franklyn in reference to the ‘Winner Man’ hitmaker.
Lewis is among three gospel stalwarts who will be honoured at RESET 2025. Shirley Willis and Sandra Brooks are the other two honourees who will also be performing on the RESET stage inside the Manchester High School. Speaking at the media launch on December 11, event organizer Annoleah Wynter, chief executive officer of Olamay Events, said the ultimate goal was to establish a foundation through which support is provided for not just gospel music greats, but other worthy causes across communities.
Rev. Dr Al Miller (right) leads a powerful moment of prayer for Lt. Stitchie's recovery, surrounded by his wife and key supporters, as RESET Project 2025 stands firm in faith and unity for one of gospel’s beloved icons. (L-R) Gospel ministers, Chevelle Franklyn, Lady Rose, Dr Lester Lewis, wife of gospel icon Lt. Stitchie, Sophia Laing and Olamay Events CEO, Annoleah Wynter.
“One key objective for RESET 2025 is to raise $3 million for the Caribbean Christian School for the Deaf in Knockpatrick where they struggle with poor water supply. The money will go towards setting up a water catchment system so their limited resources will not have to be spent buying water. We have also pledged support for our brother Lt. Stitchie who started the RESET journey with us two years ago. Though he can’t be here with us tonight, we honour him, and will continue to support him,” Wynter explained.
Lt. Stitchie’s wife Sophia Laing was the focal point during a powerful moment of prayer at the launch, flanked by Franklyn, Lewis and Rev. Dr. Al Miller who was the keynote speaker at the launch event. In his address, Miller challenged gospel artistes to “take dominion” and move towards greater leadership in the broader music fraternity. “RESET is an assignment. As the Kingdom of God, we should be taking the lead and setting the pace. Our music needs a reset, our society needs a reset. We have to take this music form called reggae, which God has given to Jamaica, and use it to change hearts and minds,” asserted Miller.
With corporate support from major sponsors the Jamaica Tourist Board, Television Jamaica and Leisure for Pleasure, RESET 2025 is being promoted as a wholesome family event with broad appeal. “I travel from Kingston to Mandeville and there are so many billboards at every major intersection, and there is no option for good family entertainment. When you go on the buses, the music that’s being played is horrible. I encourage you, park your cars one afternoon and take a bus so you can hear what your children are exposed to. We need a reset in this nation, and we’re starting now,” Wynter stressed.
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