On-the-rise gospel singer Rhoda Isabella says she always tries to stay true to herself. This is evident on her debut album Kingdom Rhode .

“I believe that there are other beautiful albums and overall music in Jamaica gospel. However, I aim to dig very deep within my creative space and just be myself with the message and style at all times,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

“I believe that there is always room for improvement and, if we study, we will be able to show ourselves approved unto God and he will, in his time, exalt us.”

The singer’s 11-track set was released on Saturday at the Swallowfield Chapel in Kingston. It is produced on the Barbwiya Music label.

In addition to the title track of the same name, Kingdom Rhode includes All I Need is You, Still Breathing, Old Time Chorus and The Church Medley, and Nataka Kucheza (I Wanna Dance in Swahili) which were all performed and well-received at the launch.

“ Silent River is my favourite track simply because it carries deep personal message from my heart,” she said.

She was pleased with the turnout at the launch, which included members of the gospel music fraternity.

“The turnout exceeded my expectations. Many artistes came out, Kevin Downswell, Rondell Positive, Dwayne Murphy, Alicia Taylor, Oshane Mais and Kevin Heath, just to name a few,” she said.

Rhoda Isabella (real name Rhoda Faithe-Ann Addiman) is a former student of Merl Grove High and the Edna Manley College’s School of Music. She started out 10 years ago as a background vocalist for Jermaine Edwards. She eventually formed a trio with the group iWorshipp under Edwards’ label. The group scored the hit single Keeping Me Alive with Rondell Positive in 2015, but eventually dissolved in 2017.

Last year, she re-emerged on the gospel scene as a solo act with Still Breathing and the spirited arrangement of all-time favourite gospel hymns and choruses titled Church Medley.

For her efforts, she was named the Female Gospel Artiste of the Year and Break-Out Sensation of the Year for 2018 at the Sterling Gospel Music Awards.

She has high hopes for the set and her career.

“I pray that my entire artistry and ministry will be an inspiration to both the more mature and young generations of music,” she added.

— Kediesha Perry