DJ Zeal holds the Sterling Gospel Award he won in 2020.
MUSICALLY, last year was a good year for gospel recording artist DJ Zeal. Singjay released the self-titled EP Press On and he had a radio hit Nah let it go.
Last Thursday, the St Ann-based artist received two nominations at the Sterling Gospel Music Awards. He said the nominations caught him by surprise.
“Wow! It’s always great to be recognized for what you do. This year was a shocker for me, I was extremely surprised and delighted with the nominations. I asked to be consistent during the heightened restrictions of COVID-19 and it was not easy, especially with the constraints faced at the time. I’m really happy to be nominated in the categories I’m nominated for and I appreciate everyone who had a hand in the nominations,” said DJ Zeal. The Jamaica Observer on the weekend.
It is nominated in the EP of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories for Nah let it go.
DJ Zeal explained the work that was done Press On.
“A lot of work! From selecting songs that were thematically appropriate for the project, to recording, to collaborations, to designing the artwork, to the final production. It was a lot. I collaborated with others who helped make the project come together and I am forever grateful to them,” he said.
The six-track project, released in August of last year, features production from DJ Zeal, Covenant Entertainment’s Geoff Clark, Rh’mone “Frostyee” Foster and Joe Track.
dirty CHANGING features Rian Davis while Love Suh features Que-J and Frostyee.
Produced by ZJ Zeal Nah let it gowhile the video was directed by Anthony Bailey of Everything Anthony Media.
ZJ Zeal started out as a dub poet before making the move to gospel music.
“My career began as a dub poet. When I was a child, I participated in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commissions Arts Festival dub poetry contests, however, growing up in a musical environment the art style was oriented to me when I started. To be more involved in music both at church and at school. I wrote a lot, even when I was in elementary school. In my last years of high school, I was doing a lot more writing and performing where I could, and Thus began my journey,” he said.
DJ Zeal continued, “I’m passionate about God and music. I love to learn and apply what I’ve learned to better myself and those I can influence. Musically, I bring diversity. Being exposed to a variety of styles music has allowed me to have a wide appreciation of musical styles which I try to apply in my writing and production”.
Born Ramon Watson, this isn’t the first time DJ Zeal has been nominated for the Sterling Gospel Music Awards. In 2020, he won video of the year for Smile.
His most recent release is Lean Pon Di Rockwhich is part of goodness beat compilation, which was produced by Judas Peters from Trinidad and Tobago.
“I want my music to help people. I want people to learn what I’ve learned about God, in hopes that it will encourage them as they walk this life. I want to be able to explore many genres others that I like, and I want people to enjoy my music. That’s my hope,” said DJ Zeal.
