A packed venue, individuals screaming his name and shouting the lyrics from his first single “Give a Helping Hand” is an image rising – singing – sensation Sernel only dreamed of after winning his first Calypso competition from the tender age of 10. But now this is his reality! A son of the soil, Sernel Florent was born on January 28, 1985 in Good Hope Dominica.
Sernel started in the music business as a member of the band Genesis but became a solo act after the group disbanded in 2008. Unlikely for his gender and even more surprisingly for his age Sernel prides himself as a gospel artiste that specializes in Bouyon, Soca, Gospel Reggae, R&B, and Compa and Worship. When asked as a young man why he chose gospel, Sernel replies enthusiastically “I am a Christian and I love positive music. Music influences and it’s good to spread things about Jesus. I’m a child of God and I love to spread His word.” “The world today needs to learn about this man called Jesus” says Sernel and it seems this was his main reason for becoming an artiste. Singing, separate from Christ, is his first love and having discovered he had the gift of music, Sernel wanted to share it with the world. “The bible speaks of being a steward of talent and this is my way of giving back to Jesus for all He’s blessed me with and the world.”
A man of many interests, Sernel divides his time between his main love that of music and another that is a close second, the Roving Caregivers’ Programme (RCP). The Roving Caregivers’ Programme is an informal early childhood education programme that seeks to reach children birth to three years of age who do not have access to any formal early childhood education. Sernel has been a part of the Roving Caregivers’ Programme for the past five years. For him this experience has not only provided material for his songs but it made him want to make some change in the world through his music. He says “I am inspired by my environment and as such RCP has helped tremendously with my song writing abilities.”
A true artiste, Sernel is relentless in pursuing his passions among which is taking care of children.
“The children are my main reason for me joining the RCP. I want more children to become more academically inclined. I’ve notice that the children in my community are a bit behind when it comes to academics. What better way to contribute or help this issue by giving time to children, starting at the root of the problem through nurturing them from birth.” When asked if he himself is a father, this future star replies with a smile “no I’m not.”
Though not a father, Sernel believes the programme is preparing him to become an excellent one when that does happen. Through RCP training he has learnt about the stages of a child’s development, the importance of stimulation for a child’s success in education and most importantly how the presence of a father is positive to a child’s overall well being and not just being the bread winner for that child. On a more personal level, he says being a Rover has transformed him into a more responsible individual and he is now more protective of children.
As a Rover, Sernel’s duties involve providing stimulation for children birth to three years through the use of stuffed toys, shakers, balls, books, songs, games and walks in their surrounding environment. In this programme our young artiste is responsible for seven children, but as a Rover on the rise, Sernel has to balance both jobs. He says “both my career and the children I work with are important so I balance by putting in extra effort into music over the weekends and on my days off. The balancing act for this Rover/ Artiste begins from 9-12 for four days a week working with the RCP and he invests double the time in his music on weekends.
With so much on his plate, it is hard to imagine when this Rising Rover finds time for rest and relaxation. When asked, what he does in his spare time? It all goes back to his first love… music. He says “I play the keyboard and drums when not at work or performing. Music soothes me.”
Having performed in Antigua, Trinidad, St. Maarten and St. Vincent, our own son of the soil says, “My dream performance is with DJ Nicolas of Jamaica and JaDee from Trinidad. DJ Nicolas’ testimony changed my life and I just love JaDee’s energy.”
Now that his debut album “Give a Helping Hand” has been out since July 3, 2010, this Rover on the rise says he sees himself in the next five years ministering on an international stage with the likes of Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin.
Congrats Sernel. I read with pleasure of your accomplishments. I was also born in Good hope and it makes my heart proud to see such positive people leading the way. God bless and keep up the good work.
wooooow way to go bloss, aim for the stars,cause if u miss u will reach the sky,
go for it all the way, GOD speed bloss, love the family relationship photo. dat is wat we do best lol lol RCP
I’m so proud of Sernel and the RCP!
I agree he’s very cute, have an instant crush
Wow, the RCP seems to be in very capable hands. With a young man so dedicated to his music and to the families and their birth to three year olds with whom he works, I forsee Sernel reaping success on both fronts: as a Rover and as a gospel artiste. i salute you bro! Keep on keeping on!
Please stop screaming his name. Remember is GOD he wants you to worship not him. I want him to do very well.
Wow!! my friend i’m very much proud of the great work you r doing helping poeple who really needs that help!! Just continue doing the best of it and as we all knows’ god is the answer to all calls of help and preyers, You have came from far and worked hard to be where you r today. I happy that you r in love with what you do as life goes un, Don’t give up my brother and keep up the good work of the lord cause he smiles everytime you meet with r family that needs to sick help and comfort. Who knows, anyone could end up in being in the needy position. Wishing you all gods blessings and glory towards you jurney!!! peace and love my brother,,, chezzz.
starkouts
Congrats Sernel!! You are a good singer just are you are a Caregiver
I believe for you sernel that you will reach wherever God is taking you. I know you will make it, just keep focused and aim for the goal. It’s waiting for you just reach out…… Love you my bro
Brother Tambo!! keep doing good things. this is one determined young man who i am pretty sure will go very far if he keeps up this spirit.
I’m touched. May you continue in the good my dear Brother Sernel. The hands of the Lord continuoulsy be upon you; may He who rewards openly, widen your coast with His anointing, with His power. Paul in the book of Thessalonian said he preahed the Word with power and assurance. In that which you do, I pray that you do as Paul, minister with power and with assurance. You are on the right path as a young man. I am really thrilled. I have attended concerts where you performed, and this article encourages me to support you the more. I wish above all that God bless you richly and that He keeps you by His grace. None of us can do it without the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. And when your coast is widen, when riches have increased set not your heart on in it but remain focus on Jesus. Continue to love the Lord my brother. You are not alone; God and us are there with you. From the North we say Bless up Sernel!
i know sernel personally as he is my cousin and i must say he is really and truly an inspiring individual….his positive attitude and caring and giving nature will surely take him far.keep on doing your thing cuz god has blessed in so many ways and on so many levels.
Congratulations Sernel and keep up the good workl. I wish you continued success on all your future endeavors!
i cheer u on! u chose the right path! b l e s s i n g s !!!!!!!!!
Praise the Lord for what this young man is doing. I know it may not be stimulating enough as the political stories to warrant comments. But this is more of what our community needs and so he should be applauded for his efforts and talents. He is not on the street selling drugs or being a thug. But God has elevated him to be an example for the young men in Dominica. Continue singing and giving God the glory he will grant you the desire of your heart. If there is an opportunity for me to help you, I will find you and help promote you. God Bless you and keep up the good work.
Congrats my boy, you are a determine son of god. He will continue to open doors for you. God bless you in all your doing. Be bless
Damn boy u cute lol………… Anyways keep on doing God’s work,,,dats a very good thing ure doing!!
congratulations young man. keep reaching for the stars. Thank God there is a role model among the youth of Good hope Petite Soufriere and San Sauveur. God bless you in all your future endeavors.
I love to see young men on the rise for God and at the same time giving back to their community…..this is triue christianity
Very Inspiring, stay positive my boy, God will see you through, especially if you keep your trust in Him and his son Jesus. Amen.
boy that child look like her mother or what ever their relationship may be .anyway congrats to you sernel
Thanks for giving us the citizens of Dominica hope. It is always enlightening to read about positive contributions by the youth of our nation. May God guide you and always go before you as you journey.