Bio: Chantelle Ernandez


Chantelle is seeking to win over Jamaican and International Reggae fans with her soulful spunk, sweet vocals and exciting new sound. Born Chantelle Vanessa Ernandez in Kingston, Jamaica, this songbird grew up mastering the full range of the performing arts: singing, dancing and acting, both in school and church youth groups. She taught herself the basics of piano playing at age 6, began her formal training in classical piano at age 8 at the Minott-DaCosta Studios in Kingston 19; today she is an accomplished level 6 classical pianist.
During her first year at the Convent of Mercy Alpha Academy, she along with four classmates formed a Gospel group. This trend continued at the Holy Childhood high School for girls where she spent the rest of her high school years. In her third year, not only was she the lead singer for the choir, but she was also the main lead singer and very vital part of a then popular school-song group called “Essence”.
1999 was the turning point in Chantelle’s professional career. In March of that year the group began cutting demos at the Grafton Music Complex owned by renowned Jamaican music producer Mickey Bennett; however the group separated a few months after, but this did not break her spirit. In the summer of 1999 she met and began recording for Gumption Productions owned by the leading members of Jamaica’s International Reggae Band “Gumption” and while working with them, met Michael Fletcher (independent producer and band leader for International Reggae Idol “Shaggy”). At age 16, she recorded her first solo “Something Inside My Heart” for Mr. Fletcher. Since then she’s sung harmonies for a wide range of known Jamaican Reggae acts. Her work includes Gregory Isaac’s 2004 album, Mickey Dread’s 2006 album and she also recorded harmonies, toured and performed with the likes of Ernie Smith, Prezident Brown, Max Romeo, Norris Man, Jah Mason, Mr. Vegas, Fantan Mojah, Perfect, Lutan Fyah, Anthony Cruz, Chuck Fenda, Natty King, Lymie Murray, Chrisinti, Lenn Hammond and Courtney John (formerly “Yogie”), just to name a few. Chantelle toured North and South America with the internationally known “Wailers” (formerly Bob Marley and The Wailers) and left the band to focus on her own career.
After much growth and maturity in the business, She is concentrating her energies on her solo material. Over the span of her career she has delivered songs played on the Jamaican and South American airwaves such as, ‘Baila’, title track for the Baila Riddim; ‘Tell Me Why’, duet with Bunny Rugs of International Reggae Band Third World (a Sly & Robbie production); ‘Spend More Time’ ,duet with veteran Jamaican DJ Daddy Lizard; ‘Break Up To Make Up’, duet with Anthony Q and most recently ‘Dreaming’, duet with veteran Reggae Singer Tristan Palmer.
Chantelle worked under the guidance of Mr. Toots Hibbert of Toots and The Maytals, whom she met in October 2006 through Nigel Burrell and Henry Lewis of Anchor Recording Studio. She sang harmonies for his 2007-2008 album and even co-wrote with him. In November 2006, she began working on her debut album under his direction and production, along with Nigel Burrell and Michael Fletcher. That album has not been released to date and though Chantelle is disappointed, she continues to work diligently to ensure her success in music. Currently, Chantelle is a member of the Taxi/Sony Music quad group, UNITZZ, under the direction and production of Reggae Powerhouse Duo Sly & Robbie along with their partner Kaz Asonuma. The group’s first album “J-Paradise” was released in March 2009 and went straight to number 1 on the Japanese Reggae charts. The album also made it to round one of the Grammy nominations, but was moved from the Reggae category and placed in the category of Best Pop Vocal. UNITZZ subsequently released their second album in March 2010 and it is also doing well on the Japanese charts.
Currently Chantelle Ernandez is under the management of Chester Campbell (Grind Management LLC, Florida), the production and musical direction of Curtis Lynch (Necessary Mayhem, London), musical direction of Michael Fletcher (The Tantrum Band), production and booking of Marcus Sanchez La-Fuente and Genis Trani (Reggaeland Barcelona), as well as the booking and PR Management of Jacqui Clarke (Boss Lady International, London and Gambia) and is currently looking forward to the release of her 5 track EP “My Forever”, produced by Curtis Lynch (Necessary Mayhem, London), which will be released on iTunes on January 11, 2011. Also, in the process of completion, are recordings for her upcoming album, also with Curtis Lynch of Necessary Mayhem, “Caution Tape and Stilettos”. This album features hard core Reggae riddims from the old school coupled with Chantelle’s eclectic and sultry R&B style of delivery, with witty yet relatable lyrics. “My Forever”, the first single from the album is currently doing well and is actually a favourite of U.K based radio and sound veteran, David Roddigan.
Besides her upcoming album with Necessary Mayhem, Chantelle recently returned to Jamaica after performing in Spain. While there, she also did some soon to be released recordings with the top Reggae Production and Promotion company, Reggae Land, based in Barcelona. This vocal power-house recently was well received and loved at every venue she performed at in Spain; such venues included the annual festival in Tarragona (the only female on her night of performance and the only Jamaican female representation in the entire festival) and a Sound Show at the popular Razz Matazz in Barcelona (the only female on the show) and made a memorable performance and great impression on the audience and promoters. Plans are being made now for her return to perform at several venues and festivals throughout Europe. Since arriving home after that tour, Chantelle also saw the release of her R&B Single “No Tomorrow”, which is a Denazi Records production from Norman Chambers (son of International Reggae Icon, Jimmy Cliff). This smooth track (which was released on iTunes in December of 2010) features good lyrics and as always, well delivered vocals.
Exceptionally talented with a vocal range comparable to that of Mary J. Blige, this artist is definitely geared towards international stardom. The music world and media are in great anticipation for the breakthrough of Chantelle Ernandez, as it has been predicted by many industry professionals and listeners that this young woman will be the biggest and best International Representation of Jamaican Music and Culture for the decade starting in 2011. Chantelle has several singles and videos set for release early next year; also she is in the process of finalizing plans for live tours for 2011 throughout the U.S.A, Latin-America and Europe.
Chantelle Ernandez is vibrant, fearless and loveable; she consistently lives her personal motto “THE SKY IS NO LIMIT” – she is limitless.
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