As the daughter of reggae singer Johnny Osbourne, who recorded ‘Buddy Bye’ on the popular Sleng Teng rhythm, many would think that Jewel Osbourne would have taken an interest in the same genre.

However, 35-year-old Jewel Osbourne is determined to pave her way as a contemporary gospel singer and minister.

“I grew up in the school of Johnny Osbourne and Sugar Minott, so to speak. Most of what I have learnt about the industry is from my father and the people who were around him at Youthman Promotions (Minott’s sound system),” Jewel told The WEEKEND STAR.

After deciding to follow a different path, Jewel left her day job to commit to the ministry as part of a goal to rebrand herself and launch her gospel clothing line, J For Life.

The gospel singer is also focused on transforming Praise Surge: Sound the Battle Crya production that is a fusion of music, dance and drama into a foundation that can help young adults with basic educational needs.

REHEARSING

Jewel has been rehearsing devotedly alongside Jermaine Gordon, Jovan Whyte, Praise Academy of Dance, and other performers in the ministry over the past month and half on the script she wrote for the production.

“It focuses on the way God uses the least likely persons to do extraordinary things. This could not be possible without the hard-working team,” she said.

Last year, the event was executed to raise funds to assist five schools by providing book vouchers and to provide a partial sponsorship for a student at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, where Jewel studied art education and graphic design.

“This is my thanksgiving offering to God,” she said. “This year, the event is focused on assisting the New Haven Early Childhood Center with acquiring a PA system to do general announcements and devotion, which is extremely fundamental to start the morning and for the development of children,” she said.

In addition to the production, the singer has also released her EP, Jewel the Project, which will be available to patrons at the upcoming Praise Surge on April 14 along with T-shirts and caps from her brand.

Although her music is a mixture of pop and classical music forms, it is Jewel’s wish to collaborate with her father on a contemporary gospel/reggae single in the near future.

“Being very supportive of the ministry, the collaboration in the making with my father will happen soon. My entire family, my husband Owen Landell, and my two daughters are part of the reason for taking this journey,” said Jewel, whose song, Keeper, is the theme song for the Northern Caribbean University Media Group’s Acts of Kindness high school tour.