DJ Nicholas, wife keeping love alive

While many prepare to deal with the chronic loneliness that surrounds Valentine's Day each year, gospel artiste and aspiring healthcare practitioner DJ Nicholas is gearing up to keep the love with his wife alive and well.

In fact, the entertainer and his wife have been married for 20 years, and while that's no easy feat, the Divine Mathematics singer explained just how he's managed to keep going after so long.

"As I recently shared on my social media platform, marriage is not built on feelings, it is built on foundations. My primary foundation is Christ, along with unwavering commitment," he told THE WEEKEND STAR.

"By unwavering commitment, I mean entering marriage with a long-term mindset. I have never approached it with the thought, 'What if it does not work out?' I entered it believing it would work. The day I am buried, I want my tombstone to read: 'Nicholas Eccleston, husband of Sandra Eccleston'," he added.

So how does someone who has been married for so long keep the wooing alive? While he joked that he 'is' Valentine's Day for his wife, DJ Nicholas shared the plans he has set aside for the day.

"Nothing extravagant, usually flowers, chocolate, and dinner. I also make it a point to give my daughter flowers as well, so she grows up understanding the standard of how a woman should be treated and the type of man she should be attracted to as she matures," he explained.

And when Valentine's Day takes its leave, DJ Nicholas confidently declared that the Ecclestons will continue to remain strong, "...no intention of divorce and no regrets".

He did, however, have some strong advice for those on the marriage highway.

"Marriage is a beautiful institution. My advice would be to start with the right foundation. As scripture teaches, husbands are called to love their wives, meaning to care for them, listen to them, and respect them. Wives are called to honour and respect their husbands," he explained.

"Two people cannot lead at the same time, as that often creates conflict; there must be trust in leadership. I would encourage women to marry a man they trust to lead, and men to marry a woman who respects and honours them. Above all, bring everything before God in prayer," he added.

When he is not busy loving his wife, or sharing the gospel, DJ Nicholas is ardently preparing for this stint at the Emory University School of Medicine. The 45-year-old explained that he is currently completing his matriculation requirements, such as his physical exam and vaccination updates. Classes officially begin in August, and the entertainer is organising his schedule and responsibilities in preparation.

"Upon completion of my studies, I will be practising as an advanced healthcare practitioner while continuing to balance music ministry. Ministry is not just something I do, it is a calling, and that is not something I can abandon," he explained.

He also confirmed that he is working on his sixth studio album, which he plans to release this summer before the programme begins.