Kellion Campbell eyes international stardom

Aspiring soul artiste Kellion Campbell plans to win the hearts of both local and international fans as she navigates the music space with a different style.

Born and raised in Silent Hill, Clarendon, the singer, who appeared to be very reserved and quiet, a character she said she developed from being a devoted churchgoer, transformed into a musical powerhouse when she was introduced to soul music.

"Growing up, I know that [singing] is my gift and today, here I am. I know I'm not yet where I should be. but I definitely know where I'm going. I grew up in church so I mostly [listened] gospel music. But buying [and listening] to CDs, I realised I have a love for soul music. I can sing gospel but I realise my strong point is doing souls [songs]," Campbell shared with THE STAR.

"I see myself going international, captivating the minds of international people and Jamaicans. So I'm not limiting myself because I can do a little bit of everything and I can go as high as the eagle and that's where I'm gonna soar," she added.

The experienced singer has been doing music for over a decade as a backup vocalist for artistes such as Sister Pat and Wesrock. She said it's been eight months since she began a musical journey as a solo artiste. She shared that her choice to do soul stems from a place of "passion" and encouragement.

"I'm naturally a passionate person and I like to feel what I'm singing, so I like to put meaning to what I'm singing. Over the years, people are always encouraging me [saying] 'You know you touch my heart when you do this and you should do singing...you're so good you should take on the journey and do music of your own'. Then I said 'You know what? Let's go on this journey,'" said Campbell. One of her biggest moments in music was at this year's Reggae Sumfest where she performed for the first time, backing up Wesrock.

Soon after making the decision to roll solo, Campbell said she met the owner of Corporoc Records, Romaine Bramwell, who introduced her to his label. She recorded her first single, Do You Have a Heart featuring Young Antrap. She revealed that the reception has been great as it brings "something different" to the local music space. The emotionally-charged single, speaks about love and relationships.

Though it's early days in the newly established solo career, Campbell said the journey has been "great".

"I know I have a lot to do and a lot more people to know about me and I'm ready for the journey," she said. Being a huge fan of American singer, Fantasia, the aspiring talent said she drew most of her inspiration from her, and hoped to collaborate with her some day.

As she navigates the steps to achieve her desired level of stardom, Campbell said she's ready and willing to "put in a lot of work, touching some of the big stages, travelling, making some money and even winning a Grammy". Campbell, who described her voice as "one of a kind", said that she considered herself a positive person.

"So I'm coming with positive music, something that people can relate to and rock and sing to as well. I am very diverse - I always step out of the box," she said.

She urged singers to let their music and messages be one of positivity so the nation can start achieving positive results, as artistes hold certain influence and power over people.

Campbell is set to release another soulful single titled, I Know.