Kwesi Fontinelle-An Ex to Self

A brave yet surprisingly humble up and coming Gospel artist decided to confront new territories with the launch of his album “Most High.” Not surprisingly this down to earth guy has a mind-blowing testimony of God’s amazing wonder.

A life caught up in narcotics and ammunition led to a run in with law enforcers. However, Kwesi prayed a simple heart felt prayer that God would make a way and he would not get caught. This prayer was answered by THE gracious GOD, and led Kwesi to make a decision to serve Christ that very night. Since then Kwesi has become involved in his current church Jesus Worship Centre, where he is a worship leader. 

Follow me as I give you an outlined interview with this fundamental man of God, Kwesi Fontinelle.

GG: How has your week been?

K Fontinelle: My week has been good so far. 

GG: Good?

K Fontinelle: It’s a lot of work but I’m working at it.

GG: For the sake of all our readers, could you tell us a little bit about your music and what inspires it?

K Fontinelle: Well, my music is basically for the youths and to encourage the church on a whole. I believe my music was from God, it wasn’t because of me. I usually get my songs on mornings during devotions or sometimes I’m praying and a song comes to my mind so I write it.

GG: I have heard and witnessed your unique sound. Describe that sound for us. Can you give me a  name for it.

K Fontinelle: Well, I cant say what sound it is but a lot of people have said that when they’ve heard me sing, I sound like an archangel. My voice sounds unique and is powerful.

GG:Archangel music? Heaven Touching…

K Fontinelle: Earth music, yeah.

GG: What impact do you think this type of music is making in Trinidad? 

K Fontinelle: Well so far, my music is impacting a lot of lives. A lot of people who got my album when they see me they say that they love the music and it has touched them especially ‘Just Trust Me’ (A song on Most High). They love the song and ask for copies of the album.

GG: I also know you are a part of Heaven Touching Earth music with J Square himself. How has that experience been like for you? 

K Fontinelle: Well, it has been…well liking myself I must say. It has opened a lot of doors for me and avenues where I can showcase my talent to Trinidad and Tobago and all over the world.

GG: So you and J Square are close?

K Fontinelle: Yes very close. We actually have the same birthday 25th September. He also went to school with my brother (Pleasantville Senior Secondary) so that’s how I met him. Also going to church with my brother I met him, before I ever sang, but I liked his music and we would talk. We’re really good and we share a lot in common like music and the way we think about the Lord.

GG: What was the greatest piece of advice he (Jay Square) ever gave you?

K Fontinelle: To keep my eyes focus on the Lord and don’t get swell headed. Just remember what you are doing is not to glorify yourself but to glorify God.

GG: Cool smiles for Jesus…what in the world is that about?

K Fontinelle: (Laughs) This is where I work at. Harrynarine Orthodentistry in San Fernando. It’s a Christian orthodontist practice.

GG: Great piece of advice. So “Most High”. You’re new, up and coming and you decide to produce an album. A lot of people aren’t doing that…so why do it?

K Fontinelle: Why produce it? Well firstly I believe that God has called me to do music for the youths of this nation. There are so many other artists Movado and Vybez cartel, they are influencing kids in this type of music. I believe that God has called me to be a hand for Him to shape this nation’s youths

GG: Why name the album “Most high” then?

K Fontinelle: Well, it is because of the Lord I have this album. I know within myself that without him I would never have this. When I started to get the album, I prayed and fasted and asked God for the name which he gave. In most of my songs as well I usually say that “most High, him alone we praising”. I felt in my spirit God wanted me to name it that.

GG:What is the testimony about Most High? How has He been your Most High?

K Fontinelle: Well, some people know my testimony of when I used to smoke drugs; marijuana, cigarettes, never smoked cocaine though, but I was around those stuff. When I was smoking I used to be high and that’s how I was right through, but coming to know the Lord and getting touched by the Holy Spirit was when I felt the real high. He is the Most High.

GG: What has been most difficult for you in making this album?

K Fontinelle: (Laughs) Everything.

GG: Everything?

K Fontinelle: I’m joking. To be honest it was the recording. A lot of people think you can just go in the studio and recorded and it’s not like that. There’s a lot of work you have to put into it, a lot of late nights, a lot of hours in the studio, a lot of vocals. It’s very strenuous at times because you have to put out so much. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it.

GG: Speaking about the work, for this album you chose to work with a number of different artists. I can just imagine the work involved with them. Tell me about it. Why work with so many artists?

K Fontinelle: Well I believe we cant do things on our own, we need help. The bible says oh how good it is for brothers to dwell in unity. I believe that when I work with artists who have already been in the singing industry, it will help me a lot. I get a lot of support from other artists such as Koen Duncan, J Square and Antus Keith; they help me out a lot and show me different things. They are also people I look up to. It also helps me to feel more comfortable in myself knowing I have their support. I have people who have my back.

GG: So album, worship leader…what was the experience like when you realised you had this call of God on your life?

K Fontinelle: I never sang before I came to the Lord. I had the gift but didn’t realise it. When I went to church though, I found myself looking at the choir. I loved the choir and I loved the guitar as well. I didn’t really take it on, but when I got saved there was this guy I would watch play the guitar and lead worship. I really liked what he did and I would even come to church early just to hear him. 

At a camp I went t,o an international pastor was there that said I would touch many young people and worship.  I looked at him and said “Yuh mad!” He told me to take the Word of God seriously and that was when I believed. But I didn’t act on it right after, until my pastor had reminded me of the prophecy and gave me a guitar to play. I went and bought a chord chart that taught different worship songs. Within 3 weeks I was playing my first song and I got scared at first that this may actually be true. 

The first song I learnt on it was ‘Lord I worship You’. I played it for my pastor after in his office. From there I was placed on the youth worship team and then started singing after I was given some encouragement. I didn’t think I was any good, I still don’t, but it’s the anointing that makes the difference. I was even laughed at first. From there I practiced a lot and it changed different things in my life. There was a morning when I led worship and I remembered people crying before God and I was amazed that God was using me.

GG: From the perspective of an artist, how do you feel about the current Gospel music industry? Do you think anything is needed?

K Fontinelle: (Hesitantly) I’m not bashing anyone but I really think gospel artists need to really seek God and not perform. We are called ministers as its ministry under the power of God. Sometimes I hear people say that they won’t come to a gospel launch because they’re coming in with pain in their lives and not leaving different. You can have hype songs but ensure at the end of the day it is Christ we’re pushing.

GG: That is honest and true! What can we expect from Kwesi for the rest of 2011?

K Fontinelle: I honestly want what God has for me.

GG: What do you want personally to happen?

K Fontinelle: Really just to be used. Christ is coming back, and a lot of peple don’t know him yet. Take back the lives of many people.

GG:Anything else you would like to share with the readers?

K Fontinelle: Christ first.

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