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Advertorial | Meet outstanding Jamaican gospel artiste Judith A. Gayle,OMS

Published:Thursday | July 2, 2020 | 10:56 AM
Judith A. Gayle - Contributed photo

Judith A. Gayle is a prime example of God's ability to transform brokenness to wholesomeness and a life of despair to a life of divine purpose.

Born in Clarendon, Jamaica, Judith did not have the privilege of completing high school, but that did not deter her from successfully pursuing higher education in later years. She attended the Jamaica Open Bible Institute from 2009-2010 and completed her studies when she moved to New York, graduating from Canon University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology in 2014.

Since childhood, Judith has had a myriad of experiences that helped to shape her radical identity and uncompromising love for God. She found solace in music and began a journey in the 1980’s, singing background for secular artistes including Richie Stephens. She rose to prominence as a cabaret singer in Jamaica’s most prestigious hotels.

In 1999, she was invited by a friend to a local church in Clarendon and it was there that her life changed as God captivated her heart. Like any diamond in the rough, her early years as a young Christian brought seemingly unbearable servings of loss, heartache, despair, fear, pain, struggle and suffering. Having been stripped of everything and isolated in misery, she was forced to take a hold of herself, in the boldness of God, who taught her how to smile, again!

Accolades 

In 2007, Gayle, as an international gospel singer/songwriter, was nominated for the “Mahalia Jackson” Award in Canada; in 2008, she placed 2nd in the Jamaica National Song Festival with the song “Mi Nah Lef Jamaica” and in 2009, she was named Female Artiste of the Year, also in Jamaica

In 2009, Judith captured the MegaJamz Gospel Awards’ Artiste of the Year in Jamaica; in 2011, she copped the Atlanta Gospel Music Award for Best Collaboration; in 2015, she was awarded the “Trail Blazer Award” from Gospel Vibes Radio in Connecticut. A highlight of the year 2015 was her appearance at the famed Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York, singing alongside some of America’s greats, including Vickie Winans. In 2016, she was nominated for the Sterling Gospel Music Awards in Jamaica.

Gayle has been churning out great gospel music over the years, inspiring millions with hits such as ‘The Sun Shines Again’; ‘Bigger God’; ‘Survivor’; ‘Things Already Betta’; ‘Thank You Lord’; ‘I Say Jesus’ and ‘Stay with God’.

The mega-hit, ‘Give Me Jesus’, has become quite an anthem at concerts, on radio stations and on YouTube, where it has amassed over 10 million views, a social media achievement that is second to none among Caribbean gospel artistes.

To date, her outstanding body of work include seven albums: The Sun Shines Again (2003); Broken to be Blessed (2005); Designed to Worship (2009); I Believe (2012); It’s Gonna Be Alright (2013) and The Winner in Me (2017). In 2018, Breakthrough was done while she engaged in yet another project, near and dear to her, the launch of her fragrance line, called I’m Exceptional Collection Judith 2019.

She proudly, but modestly declares that she writes most of her songs. She says her songs are borne out of her relationship with God and what God has done for her.

Indeed, her music speaks volumes to the fact that God is indeed a deliverer and healer of wounded souls. People have testified that her music has stopped them from committing suicide. In fact, everyone who encounters her ministry is motivated to break free from ungodly patterns and embrace their God-given destiny.

You will never get tired of hearing this versatile singer ministering unto the Lord. Pastor Donnie McClurkin dubbed her his Jamaican ‘Whitney Houston’ and continues to tell others about her.

Evangelist Judith Gayle was ordained a Minister in 2014 by Bishop Michael A. Frith of the Family of Christ Church of God Ministries International in The Bronx, New York. She now serves as the Worship Leader at The Temple of Restoration in Brooklyn, New York, under the leadership of Bishop Angelo Barboso.

In addition to her song ministry, Judith is also an accomplished author and humanitarian.

She has published four inspiring and challenging books: "Broken to be Blessed”; “Destined to Win"; "This is Real, Take the Mask Off" and “Had I Not Known You”. She also has a children’s book in production.

Giving back

Judith delights in helping people and does so readily and without seeking credit. Just recently, she led a campaign to secure much-needed donations in cash and kind for hurricane victims in the Caribbean.

That mission found favour with the international community and friends at the United Nations, earning her an Ambassadorship from the Word of Life Christian Fellowship Ministries in December 2017.

“I accept this honour with great humility and give glory to God for His continued favour. I also congratulate the other awardees and pray that [together], we will all continue to labour on for The Master,” she offered during the conferment ceremonies in New York City.

The title of Order of Minister Stateswoman (OMS) or Ambassador/Stateswoman is in line with Isaiah 43:4 and 2 Corinthians 5:20, noted Angela U. Burns in a congratulatory message to Minister/Evangelist Gayle.

Humbled and honoured by designation, Ambassador/stateswoman Gayle has not slowed down. She is driven by a passion to succeed.

During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Judith was still writing and releasing music, helping to inspire everyone. Forced indoors, she did her online concert with a viewership of over 21,000 people. Her ministry also hosted a virtual Mothers’ Day event as well.

In her homeland, Jamaica, her team on the ground helped with feeding over 100 persons, a move that has already inspired her soon to be launched Foundation for the Needy.

Determined to move ahead, 2020 has so far been exceptional for this Woman of God, with nominations for the Sterling Gospel Award in Jamaica, the Chicago-based (IRAWMA) International Reggae & World Music Awards, and was considered for the Grammy, with her song, “Stay With God”.

In a matter of weeks and as the virus slows in parts of the country and economies reopen in a reimagined space, she will be taking her latest passion, a new clothing line (Skirts), for the mature and inspired, to market and a boutique near you!

“Those who know me know that I do not settle for mediocrity and pretentiousness. I believe if you allow God to mould you, you will be the vessel He calls you to be and I think I’m a living proof of that transformation,” she said with an air of humility that has helped to shape her successful journey to this point.

For this Woman of God, Minister/Ambassador, author, multi award-winning evangelist, humanitarian and promising entrepreneur, a deep and abiding focus on life, by faith, matters.