A decade after embarking on his professional musical journey, Jamaican gospel DJ Jade Francis, professionally known as DJ Noi, has achieved a significant milestone by winning the Best Event DJ of the Year award at the 9th annual Sterling Gospel Music Awards. The 28-year-old civil servant, who received his first nomination and subsequent win last month, described the experience as genuinely surprising, with observers noting his astonished reaction on stage.
Reflecting on his challenging beginnings, DJ Noi identified access to professional equipment as his primary obstacle due to its substantial cost. His commitment to music eventually convinced his Christian parents to provide both encouragement and practical support after recognizing his serious dedication to the craft. The artist’s musical evolution began with minimal resources—a Compaq computer with 2 GB RAM using Virtual DJ software, initially playing CDs without a formal music library. Today, he boasts an expanded skill set and comprehensive music collection, expressing profound gratitude for his developmental journey.
Hailing from Comma Pen, St. Elizabeth, DJ Noi grew up as an only child in a Christian household, immersed in church culture where he learned drumming at an early age. His educational path included Munro College followed by The University of the West Indies. As an event DJ, he has performed at numerous gospel gatherings including Reset in Mandeville, Genesis, Realignment, and CeCe Winans’ More Than This tour in Kingston.
Despite describing his career path as fluctuating between highs and lows, DJ Noi maintains focus on his dual objectives: inspiring youth and spreading gospel messages through music. He currently worships at two locations: Comma Pen Church of God of Prophecy in St. Elizabeth and the Church of God of Prophecy on Old Hope Road in Kingston.