Prince Saj increases

Rising recording gospel artiste Prince Saj has added another prestigious music award to his list of growing accomplishments, as he was named the Sterling Gospel Music Awards' Breakout Artiste of the Year for 2022.

He has called it the "realest riches" he could ever acquire. Prior to turning his life over to God, the singer and songwriter told THE WEEKEND STAR that he was working to be a dancehall deejay.

"It started out with my mimicking my uncle who was a deejay who went by the name Fry Irish. At one point I was saying to myself I wanted to break into the dancehall industry and be rich before giving my life to God," Prince Saj said. "Growing up, I wouldn't say I was raised in a Christian home, but as a little boy in Jamaica, you know grandma would take the children to church. However, I was used to people painting the perception that whenever you enter into the church, you won't be rich."

Prince Saj was the first runner-up in the inaugural Magnum Top Performa competition last December, where he performed Fully Jesus, which was recorded on the 'One Mattic' dancehall rhythm. Prior to that, he entered Jamaica Cultural Development Commission competitions and participated in Jamaica's Best School Band, having discovered he could also sing.

"My mother also sang, she had a song titled Natural Woman, and I guess I get the singing voice from her," he shared.

He said that from the moment he received the Sterling Gospel Music Award nomination, he knew it was his. Victor Brown, Sone G and O'Shane McHugh were the other nominees.

"I knew... a little bit. Just a feeling, but even if I didn't get it, just to be among great people and knowing that the work of God is being applauded by many persons made me grateful. This award is to show that when God says 'Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things should be added unto you', there is power in the scriptures," he said. Prince Saj noted that his style of writing involves "a lot of the Word."

"There are certain scriptures that speak to this generation. So what that means to me is, don't chase after the things of the world, because these things shall pass away. But the gift of life is eternal. I'm grateful I'm being established before many great persons," he said.

Some of his known singles are Sanctified, Psalm 46, Spiritual Warfare and Godly Woman. Prince Saj said that he considers himself blessed at being able to spread his music ministry across Jamaica and the Caribbean.

"I'm willing to allow God to take me as far as He wants all for His honour and glory," he said. He also said that while achievements encourage him, God is the main motivator who keeps him going in music ministry.

"God showed me that He had other plans for me. I'm humbled to know that when He reached out to me - when He basically knocked on the door - that I opened it," he proclaimed.