DJ Zeal happy with ‘Sterling’ nods
MUSICALLY, the past year was a good one for gospel recording artiste DJ Zeal. The singjay released the EP titled Press On and he had a radio hit with Nah Let Go.
Last Thursday, the St Ann-based entertainer received two nominations in the Sterling Gospel Music Awards. He said the nominations caught him by surprise.
“Wow! It’s always great to be recognised for what you do. This year was a shocker for me, I was incredibly surprised and joyful at the nominations. I sought to be consistent during the heights of the COVID-19 lockdowns and it was not easy, especially with the restrictions faced at that time. I am truly elated to be nominated in the categories that I have been nominated for and appreciate every person who had a hand in the nominations,” DJ Zeal told the Jamaica Observer on the weekend.
He is nominated in the categories EP of the Year, and Music Video of the
Year for Nah Let Go.
DJ Zeal explained the work that went into Press On.
“A lot of work! From selecting the songs that were appropriate thematically for the project, to the recording, to the collaborations, to the designing of 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 disclosed.
The six-track project, released in August last year, features production by DJ Zeal, Geoff Clark of Covenant Entertainment, Rh’mone “Frostyee” Foster and Joe Track.
The track Change
features Rian Davis while Love Suh features Que-j and Frostyee.
ZJ Zeal produced Nah Let Go, while 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 used to participate in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commissions Festival of Arts competitions with dub poetry however, being raised in a musical environment that style of art pivoted for me as I began to involve myself in more music at both church and school. I used to do a lot of writing, even when I attended primary school. In my latter years of high school, I was doing a lot more writing and performing where I could, and that was how my journey began,” he said.
DJ Zeal continued, “I am passionate about God and music. I enjoy learning and applying what I’ve learnt to better myself and those I’m able to impact. Musically, I bring diversity. Being exposed to a range of styles of music has allowed me to have an extensive appreciation of musical styles which I try to implement in my writing and production”.
Born Ramon Watson, this is not DJ Zeal’s first time being 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 Rock, which is part of the Goodness rhythm 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 learnt about God, in hopes that that will encourage them as they walk this life. I want to be able to explore many more of the genres that I like, and I want people to enjoy my music. That’s my hope,” DJ Zeal shared.