Karlene Bartolo

By Cherisse Stephens

GospelCity caught up with Jamaican-born singer/songwriter, Karlene Bartolo. Karlene 's debut Father Of Light has just been released. You'll discover that Karlene's sound is fresh and anointed yet she is no newcomer to gospel music. Listen up as she shares her journey and experiences.

GospelCity.Com: Karlene, this must be an exciting time for you, gearing up for your debut release entitled Father of Light.

Karlene Bartolo: Yes, I am very excited about what God has in store for this project and for the ministry He has blessed me with.

GC: You were born in Jamaica, lived in Canada and now Atlanta! Tell us briefly your journey and how you ended up in the ATL?

KB: I grew up in Jamaica where my music ministry began and migrated to Canada in 1991. In 1993, I married my husband, Richard, of 11 years and resided in Nova Scotia, Canada. In 1998, we moved to the U.S. Virgin Island of St. Croix, due to my husband's job. In 2000, we took another position in Houston, Texas and in January of 2003, we took our current position in Atlanta, GA. Of course, everywhere we've lived, God has given me the opportunity to share my ministry.

GC: When you lived in the Caribbean, you sang with The Grace Thrillers for sometime before launching your solo career. Tell us about that experience.

KB: I joined the Grace Thrillers in the mid 80's and sang with them for a few years. During that time, I was featured on one of their recordings and traveled extensively. My time with the Grace Thrillers has played a significant part, defining who I am as a minister today. I gained tremendous versatility, not only in onstage performance but also as a vocalist. I am a vocalist first, and then a lead singer. Not many singers are flexible in their style as well as make the transition from background vocalists to lead singer. I am blessed with that ability.

GC: You've worked with choirs, worship teams and other vocalists during the history of your career. How did you know God was calling you to go solo?