D.A.Jay describes himself as a DJ- Hip-hop singer doing what God has blessed him with, to bring souls to Christ. In these times, in Jamaica when contemporary Gospel still gets flack in some circles; he is unapologetic of the kind of ministry he has been lead to. “It is impossible for me to say Jesus is Lord and that He died for you on a rap beat. And you tell me that that’s wrong. By doing that they are saying He didn’t die,” says D.A.Jay. For him it is the WORD (message) and not the Music which is important. This stance illustrates a resolve ingrained in his character. This 22 year old has a remarkable story filled with determination and transformation.

Born Dwayne Anthony Jackson, in the rural community of Watt Town, St Ann this young man showed promise from an early age. Teachers and classmates often marveled at his aptitude for learning. He lived a fairly idyllic childhood but life for Jackson became difficult at age 12 when he was forced to drop out of school. Matters became worst when at 13 he was thrown out of the family home by his father. With nothing to do in the days D.A.Jay got himself in all sorts of trouble and being unable to cope with the rebellious teen his father had asked him to leave. At this juncture of his life he went to live with relatives whom had a positive impact on his life. D.A.Jay has now forgiven his father and they are rebuilding their relationship.
Jackson’s hiatus from the academic world lasted for about five years. During this time he did several odd jobs but never being able to keep one for long due to disruptive behaviour. The first time he was taken to a mechanics shop to learn the trade, he didn’t last a week. However, by the time he was about 15 he had matured enough to learn the skill, amazing his boss and customers.

The financial security of a job had him hooked, he had long forgotten about school but his cousin Miguel who had been impressed with his prodigiousness offered to send him back to school. D.A.Jay migrated to Kingston and started school at the Pen-Tab Institute. Because he had been out of school for so long he paid keen attention especially in Math class. It was here he discovered his propensity towards English and Information Technology to the point where he started to tutor fellow students.

His talent as a songwriter was unearthed by his English teacher, Ms Lazarus; she gave him the confidence to see the merit in his work. With her encouragement he began experimenting with rhymes and poems.

His musical influences range from reggae Gospel to R&B Gospel but the persons who have had the most profound spiritual impact on him have been his cousins Colleen and Clayon Thomas with whom he lived. He got saved in 2000 and it was their influence which had lead him to the Lord. It was by living out their Christianity, involving him in activities like bible study and devotions which caused his transformation. The change is evident, now he has the desire to fast, pray and read the Word.

With regards to his personality he describes himself as humorous but Dr. Dizzle (Dale Virgo) Producer of Dizzle Lab Productions, describes him as a ‘real yute’ (humble), who is able to touch lives with his Testimony as well as with the lyrics God has laid on his heart.
He plans to pursue a career in the field of I.T. and his singing ministry simultaneously. Thanks to Kevin Jackson, Marshall Redwood and his management team, the public will soon be hearing more of D.A.Jay’s talent. Look out for his official debut single release Holy Ghost Party.
He has been recording and has been performing on the church circuit. He is currently being booked by Aramac Communication, so look out for more of D.A.Jay in the future.

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