If you've ever been in the Gospel scene in Jamaica, you had to have heard of DJ Rebirth at one point or another! PAJE got the chance to have a quick chat with DJ Rebirth so that the PAJE Family could get to know him - so let's jump right in!
PAJE: DJ Rebirth - one of the household names when it comes to Gospel music in Jamaica because of your hard work, consistency and great vibe on the radio! It feels like Jamaica has grown with you over the years and we 'know you', but we're curious... how would YOU describe who you are?
DJ Rebirth: I would consider myself to be an easy-going person for the most part, but also goal oriented and self-motivated.
PAJE: Now, as a DJ, it's easy to say that you've been what some may call a big part of their success in getting their music played on the radio, and someone they can depend on to really introduce listeners to new sounds. How would you say the journey has been for you as a Gospel DJ in Jamaica?
DJ Rebirth: It has been a learning process for me and one that has allowed me to interface with gospel ministers that have impacted my own life with their ministry. But it has also been a journey that has also impacted the lives of many persons based on the music that I have played from those artists.
PAJE: What led you to actually decide that you were going to become a Gospel DJ?
DJ Rebirth: I was a secular DJ in 2012 and the Lord needed my full attention and also the talents that He knows had blessed me with. The only way for Him to do that was to remove whatever had my attention at that time, which was a relationship. He broke up that relationship which also broke me emotionally, but I eventually let go of what I thought I needed and focused on what He wanted to achieve in my life. This had taught me that my purposed was bigger than my plans.
PAJE: So, it's great that you took the step on this path... but radio? How did THAT happen?
DJ Rebirth: I started doing unofficial DJ gigs with the then Host of Youth Connection, Basillia Barnaby-Cuff, who had introduced me to the gospel world as the road DJ for the road show "Youth Raid". From that time onward I became more familiar with the Love 101FM team which also had built a desire for me to want to be apart of the team.
Basillia was making her transition to another career path in radio and encouraged me to submit my application. So after a few interviews I was given the responsibility as new Host of "Youth Connection", which airs on a Saturday 3-7pm.
PAJE: With that in mind, we're curious - what is it that you do outside of music and radio - and how do you balance everything?
DJ Rebirth: I am a Civil Servant and I do work on a 9-5 basis, Monday to Friday. I am only on radio on Saturdays. God has been good to me and He continues to sustain me and keep me focused on my obligations to government and to the nation as a whole. I owe my stability and balance to Him.
PAJE: What are 3 things about you that the public wouldn't readily know?
DJ Rebirth:
Persons really wouldn't know that I am a "home body" and that I do prefer my space and also peace and queit.
Contrary to what people may think, I do not like the party scene.
Usually if I am not booked for an event, I am at home enjoying my free time and also spending time with my wife. I have a hectic routine with little to no weekends, so every moment I get to unwind and spend time with God and centering myself, I readily embrace that.
PAJE: What would you say to the upcoming Gospel artiste who wonders if their music is good enough to make an impact and be played on the radio?
DJ Rebirth: If the Lord has truly called you to ministry, don't doubt His power to use you to impact lives. Keep the main thing, the main thing. And the main thing, is planting seeds of love, hope, peace, joy, Gods grace and mercy and the message of salvation. Leave the rest to God. But you also have a part to play. Work night and day on your craft, study it well step outside of the box, and don't be afraid to ask questions to learn more about your craft.
PAJE: How have you managed to remain grounded in your walk with God through the years?
DJ Rebirth: I have a praying family and church family. But it is very important to know that life is the biggest lesson, and there will come a time where you will have to know God for yourself and establish that personal relationship. Life's lessons have afforded me the opportunity to stand on the faith that I profess to have in God. Every storm in my life has pushed me closer and deeper in God in way inexplainable. I think at this point the enemy should leave me alone because all he does is make me more wrapped up, tied up and tangled up with Jesus.
PAJE: What would you say are the three (3) biggest things that you believe we as Christians in Jamaica should make note of or strive for in order to nurture the Gospel music industry here in Jamaica?
DJ Rebirth:
1. Love.
2. Unity
3. Servanthood
Profound words, sir! Thank you so much for taking the time to share with us DJ Rebirth! We pray God's continued blessings over you and your family!
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