By Marcus A. Williams
Special to the AFRO
After years performing sensual R&B music with After Seven, Kevon Edmonds has changed gears and released a gospel album called Who Knew. (Courtesy Photo)
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(October 21, 2009) - Kevon Edmonds, brother of superstar singer/songwriter Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and member of the group After Seven, hopes to use his personal life to inspire the world through music.
Edmonds’ introduction to the gospel world, Who Knew, has been in the works for over a decade, but the gospel newbie said he hasn’t been sitting idly for the past 10 years. He’s maintained a hectic touring schedule with After Seven and appeared in several live theater productions, honing his acting skills. "I never really looked at whether the people we performed in front of were still fans or not,” said Edmonds. “I think we did the work back in the days when our records were hot and we performed anywhere and gave it our all and that's what we have been doing over the last 10 years."
This new gospel venture is not a letter of resignation from Edmonds but rather "me time" the singer said everyone occasionally needs. "This is my time to brand myself as a solo artist. I have to reconnect with the fans that I had as a solo artist many years ago,” the singer said.
Edmonds made his solo debut in 1999 with the album {24-7} released under RCA Records. Who Knew is his second project and first gospel release.
"I want people to see that I am the kind of solo artist that is capable of singing the kind of music that will move them,” said Edmonds. “That's my thing. I want to sing a song to a fan or listener in a while that makes them connect to me. It's nothing if what I do don't have meaning and passion - and that's the brand I want to have."
Despite being the new kid on the block in the gospel realm, Edmonds is not shy and says he does not pull inspiration from other entertainers, but rather from personal experiences and his own wisdom.
"I'm going to sing about things that make you think, reflect and feel. I sing about love and not just on the relationship level, but as it relates to what connects us as friends, family and human beings,” said Edmonds. “Once people hear this album, I want them to have the feeling that despite whatever it is you are going through with your lover, husband, wife, brother or sister - that we are all connected and at the end of day we all need and should give love."
Hungry to redefine himself as a solo artist, Edmonds left Babyface---his R&B legend brother--- out of the loop while he pieced Who Knew together.
"This was an independent label situation that I [had] going on. So, with the lack of money it was hard to get everyone I wanted on the album,” said Edmonds. “My brother was scrambling to get his album together and I was scrambling to get mine together so it was understandable."
It’s not unusual for the Edmonds brothers to have albums in the works at the same time, and these situations usually spur fun competition among the siblings. But the lighthearted rivalry is never malicious or cruel. The budding gospel artist said he is amazed and proud of Babyface’s talent and has never been jealous of his musical gifts. When Edmonds is not performing with After Seven or crafting his brand, he hits the gym and spends time with his new wife, Ruth.
"Because of my age I have to work triple hard to stay fit - so, I work out around four or five days a week when I'm home,” said Edmonds. “Also, I am a newlywed so I like to spend time and work out with my wife. I also am a big movie lover so even though I don't get out as much as I want to, I like to catch a good movie."
Who Knew is currently on music shelves around the country.