DOMINICANEWSONLINE: Franklyn Peter Moses, the entertainment titan whose voice has been a staple [on] Dominica’s airwaves for over 35 years, has made a triumphant return to the spotlight. Known for his pioneering contributions to entertainment and comedy in the region, Moses has captivated audiences with his unparalleled charisma and talent. However, beneath his public persona, he faced personal battles that threatened to silence his vibrant spirit.
Now, thanks to a revitalising collaboration with the National Development Foundation of Dominica (NDFD) and the highly successful “All Jokes Aside” campaign, Franklyn is set to reignite his passion and make a powerful comeback. With his love for entertaining rekindled, he’s ready to inspire a new generation of fans.
Franklyn’s Journey in Entertainment
During an hour-long conversation filled with laughter, sadness and reflection, Franklyn recounted how his entry into the entertainment world was unplanned, yet it fulfilled a deep-seated desire to entertain. He began performing informally during his school days at St. Mary’s Academy (SMA), where he attended from 1978 to 1983. It was the late
Principal Cuthbert Elwin who, impressed by his class antics, unexpectedly appointed him to emcee the Teenage Pageant and Calypso show.
“I was like, are you kidding me? I started to get nervous because at the time I thought I could only do it for my class, but not in front of a crowd,” he recalled. “However, I went to the show, and with a bit of encouragement, I went on stage,” marking the start of his journey into comedy—a journey that would captivate many.
Throughout his life, the applause and enjoyment of his audience have been his driving force. Despite facing criticism and negativity during his formative years—where he was judged for his appearance and capabilities—Franklyn says that he found motivation in the reactions of those who initially doubted him. As his performances grew more celebrated, he recognised his unique talent and launched his own comedy show, ‘Laughter in Fahrenheit,’ managing every aspect of the production himself.
His career spanned the entire Eastern Caribbean, with performances in every country except Guyana, and even took him to international stages, showcasing his talent to audiences far and wide.
His Battle with Bipolar Disorder
While experiencing significant highs in his career, Franklyn has faced numerous lows over the years. He reflects on his lifelong struggle, revealing that something always felt amiss in his thinking. After performing, he would often feel a deep emptiness once the stage lights dimmed and the applause faded.
He explained that on days when he felt overwhelmed and could barely muster the will to get out of bed, performing was his salvation, offering a momentary escape from his internal struggles. It wasn’t until 2008, upon his return from England, that he was first diagnosed with bipolar disorder. He likens his experience to the biblical passage from Second
Corinthians 12:7, where the apostle Paul speaks of a “thorn in the flesh” and God’s assurance that “my grace is sufficient for you.”
“I consider myself like a Paul, where the Most High gives you something to keep you humble,” he said.
“So, he blessed me with bipolar disorder,” the veteran entertainer added. “And that is something I do not wish on any of my enemies. God made me strong enough to carry it, not take it away. So that’s like my thorn in my side.”
His battle led him to misuse substances like cocaine, marijuana, and alcohol in an attempt to silence the incessant negative chatter in his mind. Despite seeking relief through these means and eventually going to rehab, nothing seemed to quiet the tormenting voices.
Franklyn candidly admits that during these dark times, he experienced severe insomnia, a lack of motivation, and overwhelming feelings of guilt. It was a profound struggle to find peace within himself. Ultimately, he had to accept that he was his own source of strength and solace, a mantra–and his spiritual journey–that helped him navigate
through his challenges.
Since his first admission to the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU) in 2008, Franklyn has experienced periods of both inpatient and outpatient care. However, for over two years, he has been living there full-time, stepping away from the entertainment industry to focus on his mental health. Recently, though, a project with the NDFD reignited his
passion for his craft.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Antigua!
We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages.
Contact us at [email protected]
So that’s where he went. He came and gave a talk to some high school students I was in a group with sometime before 2000. His voice was very popular in ads in Antigua. Didn’t realize he was Dominican
All the best to you.
Miss Knight bipolar too. Just as Joan
Long past your time bro but still do your thing