Gospel Spotlight : Chozenn inspires with 'Smile'

Duane Besentie, more popularly known by his stage name Chozenn, once impressed the dancehall by placing third in the Magnum Kings and Queens of Dancehall competition in 2010. Three years later, the artiste decided to turn his life around, devoting himself and his craft to God.

Since making the commitment to be a follower of the Christian faith, Chozenn released a gospel EP called Rebirth in 2015.

"It topped almost every gospel chart locally, in the Caribbean, and internationally," Chozenn told THE WEEKEND STAR.

His decision to become a gospel artiste has proved fruitful for the rising star. His work on Rebirth was followed by him receiving the International Gospel Deejay of the Year Award at the Love Gospel International Awards show held last year.

Now, Chozenn's new year kicked off with the announcement of his nomination in the category of Favourite Gospel Artiste of the Year for the Youth View Awards.

Showing no sign of slowing down, the artiste released Smile yesterday. This is the first single and music video from his debut album due out later this year. The artiste told THE WEEKEND STAR that this first song is a 'feel-good', but does not necessarily carry the tone of the complete album.

"It really speaks about people overcoming obstacles. No matter what you're going through, just be encouraged. Just smile even when you're going through the darkest of times. You're going through your midnight, you're gonna see the sunlight. Just smile. That's the song," he said.

Chozenn explained that the video was meant to demonstrate perseverance.

"It's a dance video, where a dancer overcomes obstacles dancing through auditions, dancing through rehearsal; dancing and just overcoming your pain that you just mek up your mind seh dis pain ting nah get me down. It's just a feel-good video; happy song, happy video," he told THE WEEKEND STAR.

Though Chozenn is putting a lot of energy behind the release of his song, he is also working on other projects.

As CEO of Chozenn Media Group, Chozenn says he is also an active event promoter and coordinator.

"My recent event, Kingston Jerk & Gospel Music Festival, was a success," he said, "and Clarendon Seafood Festival is scheduled for Ash Wednesday, March 1."

Now entering its third year, the Clarendon Seafood Festival will take place at the Woodleigh Entertainment Complex.

Smile is the first single from Chozenn's upcoming debut album called Unashamed, which he expects will be released in late March or early April this year.