Reggae singer Jônelle is no ordinary entertainer. The multi-talented Canadian, living in Vancouver, is celebrating the release of her hot single, ‘Come To Me’. This, released December 22, 2023, appears on the Kyoni Recordz label.

Jônelle, born Jônelle Bell-Spence, was an incredible athlete. At age 16, she represented Canada at the World Youth Championship in Italy, and the World Junior Championship in Canada a year later. She competed in the 100 meters sprint and the 4 x100 meters relay.

“Our team came sixth breaking the Canadian national records.”

As the years passed Jônelle chose music over athletics, although both provided their own excitement.

“It was a very hard decision to make. People all over knew Jônelle as an athlete and entertainer, as I would be doing cheer-leading songs to motivate my team at championships or singing the Canadian national anthem at these meets.”

Her mentors included female sprint queens, Jamaican Olympians Veronica Campbell-Brown and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

“I admire Shelly for her swiftness coming out of the blocks and her superb flight to reach the finishing line.”

In terms of reggae music Chronixx is a big deal. “His songs are based on positivity, and I also love his mode of dress, especially his Adidas tracksuits. These reminded me of my athletics glory days.”

Jônelle began singing in the church. She was about six years old, blessed with excellent vocals, and continued to impress her mom, dad, and fans, even in her teens.

“My dad migrated to Canada when he was just a few years old,” she added.

Everyone wanted Jônelle to be a star singer but she never had the experience of studio life until she was about 27 years old. She attributed this to an injury she got which shattered her dream of standing on the podium with a gold medal like Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.

“I relished that thought many times as I lay in bed. To move on I had to look for a career, one that could allow me to continue paying my bills.”

“I started producing myself by watching YouTube videos and visiting my friends in recording studios as often as possible. I was fascinated by the wide range of instruments, including the guitar which gave each riddim a dynamic sound.”

“I asked every question like a child, eager to learn at the front of a class. A good producer must be open to new ideas, listen to your clients, and try to make them comfortable in the studio. Their ideas are as important as yours.”

Jônelle has produced some seven songs, including ‘Uber’ (a taxi service) and ‘Mood’. Her links with Kyoni are bearing fruits. “I hope to make his production, ‘Come To Me’, a major hit, not only in Canada but worldwide,” she beams.

(Photos contributed)