3 gospel-singing sisters wrapping up CD

The Jenkins sisters - Jentry, Aja and Armani just finished their first CD, King'z Kid, to be released in November. The group is known as Ysabella.
The Jenkins sisters - Jentry, Aja and Armani just finished their first CD, King'z Kid, to be released in November. The group is known as Ysabella.

For the Jenkins sisters, gospel music seems to have always been a part of life.

The sisters -- Jentry, 25; Aja, 20, and Armani, 18 -- grew up singing in church and continue to sing often at Great Deliverance Baptist Church, a Little Rock congregation led by their parents, Juan Jenkins and Beatrice Jackson-Jenkins.

The young women are also frequently invited to sing at other churches and at events around town. They never dreamed doing something they loved so much would lead to a recording contract.

The sisters -- formerly known as The Jenkins Sisters and now called Ysabella -- won a recording contract through a gospel music competition sponsored by the Word Network and hosted by recording artist Lexi. They recorded the album earlier this year in Detroit and are traveling back to the Motor City later this month for a photo shoot for the cover art. The CD, King'z Kid, is set to be released in November and will feature songs written by the sisters.

Aja said recording the album was a learning experience.

"Cliff Lockhart produced it and he's excellent in pulling you out of your comfort zone and helping you build confidence," she said, adding that she learned much about herself as a singer through the process. "I've been singing since I was a little girl and was able to accomplish -- through God and Cliff's guidance -- what I never thought I could do."

The sisters said their songwriting ability was stretched to a new level, as well.

"We had a lot of fun," Armani said. "We spent hours in the studio and it was very challenging in a way ... learning how to take care of our voices. It confirmed that this is what we want to do."

Jentry said the experience was "exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time" but she's looking forward to the photo shoot, which will also be something new for the sisters.

Working together as sisters can be challenging, but the three say there's a bond that transcends petty disagreements.

"There's a bond. We click more and understand each other more. It's a great vibe," Armani said. "Every day we sing, even around the house."

She said the sisters all remember singing when they were very young.

"Singing is who I am," she said. "Where my memory starts I was singing."

The sisters credit their mother with cultivating their love of singing. She would take them to nursing homes, churches and local events to sing and she remains their biggest fan and promoter, arranging singing opportunities and appearances on television.

Aja said she loves gospel music because she believes it can change lives.

"It's the only music where there is anointing, which causes healing and change," she said. "I can hear the blues or happy music, but this is the only music where I can hear it and the feeling will stick with me. Being very passionate in our faith, we can hear a gospel song and it affirms what we've been believing all our lives. It has inspired us more than any other genre of music."

The sisters say the CD has music for all ages, not just the younger generation. Jentry said "King'z Kid," the title track, is her favorite.

"It's very inspiring and shows that no matter who you are God still sees you as a King's kid," she said.

Aja said the song lyrics share the message that "you can do anything. The sky is the limit and to not put yourself in a box or listen to people tell you what you can't do. It's a song to remind people to build their confidence and live past those doubts and fears."

Information is available by calling (501) 744-9805.

Religion on 09/13/2014

Upcoming Events