El Levite Chats With DJ Nicholas, A Jamaican Born, US Based, International Gospel Reggae Artist.

Nicholas Eccleston aka Dj Nicholas

Jamaican Gospel Reggae Artiste Nicholas Eccleston, more popularly known as DJ Nicholas, born on the 29th of October, has become one of the leading Gospel Artiste from the Caribbean.  In his early years as a teenager searching for truth he became a marijuana smoker, very rebellious and immersed in the Rastafarian Religion. His life was then changed by a scripture in the Bible from Acts 4:12. 

Since then he has been a music minister and follower of Jesus Christ.

DJ Nicholas has performed in the USA, UK, Canada, South America, Suriname, Virgin Islands, Costa Rica, Belize, several Caribbean Islands and more. 

He has shared stages with TD Jakes, Shirley Caesar, Israel Haughton, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Cece Winans, Marvin Winans, Lecrae, Tye Tribette and more.

Read his chats with El Levite:

El : It’s a pleasure, having you in El Levite blog, a blog created to celebrate gospel music ministers.

El : Who is Nicholas Eccleston?

Dj : A child of God, a father, a husband, a student and a minister of the word. Ministering both through the spoken word and music.

El : Can you share with us the story of your life as a Rastafarian and how Acts 4:12 led to your later conversion to Christianity?

Dj : My experience as a Rasta was for a short period of time. It started with me smoking marijuana and listening to a lot of Rasta songs. Eventually, I started reading Rasta books and listening to my Rasta friends until I became totally indoctrinated. I also had a dream, in which I believe Selassie revealed himself to me. I believed in the Rasta faith 100%, but when I read that scripture in Acts it convicted me and I totally surrendered and decided that only by Christ I could be saved; therefore, I started following Jesus.

El : Why did you move to the US?

Dj: To join my wife. For years I lived in Jamaica and she lived in the US. We spent a lot of time together but we also spend long periods of time apart. I believe it was time for us to live together at one place. At that time also the US was being difficult with visa, I didn’t want to be confined only to Jamaica, I believe my ministry is for the world. I also believe it was all in God’s will.

El: You have won several awards to include YVA Awards Gospel Artiste Of The Year 2011 - 2013 consecutively in Kingston Jamaica, 'The Atlanta Caribbean Gospel Awards 2012’ for 'Album Of The Year', 'Caribbean Artiste Of The Year' at the 'Holy Hip Hop Awards' 2012, along with several Marlin Awards, how did you achieve all that?

Dj: Hard work and the grace of God, not that I deserve it.

El: You worked with Papa San in his ‘One Blood’ album, who are other gospel artists that you have so far worked with?

Dj: I have worked with the most popular Caribbean Artiste. From Chevelle Franklin, Papa San, Sherwin Gardner, Kevin Downswell among others. I have also worked with some International artiste, like Todd Dulaney and Detrick Haddon.

El: How many albums have you released?

Dj: I have three albums so far. “On The Shout”, “Louder Than Ever” and “School Of Volume”.

El: Which record Record Label are you signed with?

Dj: I am under an independent label called On the Shout Records.

El: It is interesting to know that you are married with children; can you tell us about them? How are you managing the challenges of family, music (business) and ministry?

Dj Nicholas and Family

Dj: Except for God, nothing can replace family. I am learning to balance family, ministry and school without neglecting any of the three.

El: What are your most recent and upcoming projects?

Dj: I released some singles recently. I am also presently working to release my fourth album very soon. It should be called the “Audiologist” Faith Cometh by Hearing. Some music videos should be coming out as well.

El: Who are you planning to work with in the future?

Dj: I can’t say specifically who, but whether it’s an international artiste or a young artiste, once I feel to go ahead and God allows it, I will work with them.

El: Any plan for touring Africa?

Dj: I have received countless invitations from Africa, but none have come into fruition yet. I believe when the time is right I will be there. I do look forward to and have been praying about visiting Africa.

El: What do you have to say about gospel reggae music?

Dj: It’s one of if not my favorite music. I know some persons haven’t totally accepted it; but I know from firsthand experience that it’s an evangelistic tool, which can be used to draw souls to the kingdom of God. Persons have also received their deliverance and breakthrough as well through it. I can’t leave out the fact that you can enjoy it like any other music.

El: What advice and encouragements do you have for the upcoming?

Dj: Work hard, put God first and dream big. If its God’s perfect will for you, it will come to pass.