Meet Andre Fennell

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Andre Fennell a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Andre , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I was born in Kingston, Jamaica, to parents who had migrated to the US in search of a better life for me and my six siblings. At the age of nine, my parents left, and I was briefly raised by an aunt who became my tutor, guardian, and second mother. My aunt imparted valuable skills and values that have stayed with me to this day. As a stern disciplinarian, she taught me resilience, emphasizing the importance of never giving up on my goals because they are all attainable, regardless of my environment.

My aunt raised me to always persevere and keep moving forward, just as she did every day, despite her limited resources as a Jamaican educator. We weren’t considered poor, as that would not accurately represent my upbringing. I was privileged to travel every summer, which opened my eyes to the possibilities if I applied myself. Resilience became an integral part of my moral fiber, contributing significantly to my accomplishments, and I still believe there is much more to achieve

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
Born Andre Fennell, Music industry professionals know me as GC (Gate Citizens) globally. Among the myriad of internationally acclaimed artists and producers with whom I’ve worked with are Beyonce, Chris Brown, Diddy, Enrique Iglesias, Eve, Jordin Sparks, Neyo, Shaggy, Jennifer Lopez, Magic, Kylie Minogue, Serayah, Damian and Stephen Marley. I am also a touring Entertainer and Artist with EDM Djs “Showtek”.

As a songwriter and composer in 2019 I worked on a Grammy Award Winning Project with Shaggy & Sting, the project 44/876 co-writing the songs entitled “Friends” and “Gotta Get Back My Baby also featured in a few Chrysler Commercials Ads. Also co-written the 2016 summer hit single “Don’t You Need Somebody” with Red One, featuring Enrique Iglesias, Shaggy, R City and Serayah. Some of my writing credits are Top 40 Billboard hits including “I Need Your Love” featuring “Shaggy, Costi Official, Faydee, and Mohombi, also “That Love” produced by Scott Storch, “You Girl” Featuring Neyo & Shaggy and also “Season” by Shaggy, Omi and Costi Official. This albeit is in addition to GC having been featured on Cobra Starship’s “Night Shades” Deluxe LP single, “Anything for Love”.

I am the owner of Gate Citizens Inc and the managing partner of MacArthur and Wilton Properties, LLC, a company established in February 2016 to address a critical public service need: affordable housing in areas like Trenton, New Jersey; Detroit, Michigan; and Irving, Texas. My primary focus lies in my foundation, ‘Gate to Success,’ through which I aspire to provide underprivileged high school students with scholarships to pursue their college education of choice.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that have had the most significant impact on my journey are resilience, adaptability, flexibility, and a strong work ethic/discipline. I often say, ‘I may not excel at everything, but I am proficient at never giving up.’ In this age of information and misinformation, I believe it’s crucial to read extensively and remain open to new ideas, being ready to change course when necessary. Simultaneously, it’s essential to understand the importance of dedicating time and effort to achieve one’s goals. Each day presents a fresh opportunity to learn something that will benefit you in your chosen path.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?
“I am certainly seeking opportunities to establish connections within the music industry, collaborations with like-minded professionals who share my passion for this dynamic field is a must. Building a network and forging partnerships are integral aspects of the music industry to grow, its all about who you know.

I am interested in collaborating with corporate entities that I can leverage the services and expertise I offer as an Entertainment Company owner. The film industry, for instance, stands to benefit greatly from the infusion of compelling soundtracks and scores into their productions. Similarly, businesses seeking impactful music content for their advertising and marketing campaigns present an exciting avenue for collaboration. I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions and potentially bringing transformative ideas to fruition.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Photographer Credit: Tanya Kangur & Showtek Managing Partners: Gwen Johnson & Eddie Daniels

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