D’Franco tackles gospel for the first time

" Lily of the Valley. I need you now." That refrain that echoed in the mind of recording artiste D'Franco has become the inspiration behind his new gospel track.

"I am a spiritual person, so I always have my hymns singing. I had this punchline in my head and I didn't know what to do with it until I got the rhythm from my bredrin at the Frenz For Real Studio," D'Franco, given name Dwayne Francis, told Gospel Spotlight. The first four bars fit like a glove and so he ran with it, sitting down with one verse for a while, before writing and creating this spirited single titled Lily of the Valley.

This is his first time doing reggae-gospel since pursuing his music career for more than a decade. Usually, his soulful reggae renditions elevate in the studio and come to life the moment he steps on to a main stage. With time to spare in the songwriting department with the lockdown measures put in place, D'Franco took the moment away from all the noise to hear the message that God was sending to him.

"It's not just a song. It's a message about going through hardships and when it comes down to it, knowing that the mercy and grace of God keeps you through," he said.

The singer has since released a music video for the track and was impressed that the visual elements complement it so well. From the production team to the actors and the dancers, he wanted to reflect the 'other side of the fence', what men were actually going through. What was also truly moving was the fact that the performers loved the song.

With great feedback so far, he said he would love for the single to become a mega hit, because it has the potential to reach many and change lives.

"I hope that this song will resurrect belief in a higher power, especially within Jamaicans, and remind people that there is always hope when God is in the vessel," he said. And as for upcoming tracks, the entertainer is open to the opportunity of doing more gospel music.