Official Bio

Oneil Cassells is a native of Portmore, St. Catherine, Jamaica West Indies. This young talented musician, vocalist,songwriter, and producer began composing Reggae Gospel tunes at age 12. He would minister in song with his group of brothers called the Lyrical Preachers (Aundrae, Mike and Ian) at local churches in Jamaica.

In 1996, at age 15. He moved to the United States with his dad, David Cassells, step mom Linda Cassells and brother Christopher Cassells where he began to fine tune his musicianship at Irvington High School studying music with Mr. William Farley, Dr. P.Corbin and Mr. McCann.

Oneil Cassells later studied music and acting at Westminster Choir College of Rider University, where he earned a B.A. in Music Education and had the opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fisher Hall,N.J.P.A.C. and The Met. After meeting the multitalented musician, mentor,Professor J.D.Dumpson. OCassells had the opportunity to perform with Patti LaBelle,Take 6 and Denyse Graves to name a few.

His music is influenced by Bob Marley, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder and Johnny Cash. His sound is an exquisite fusion of Gospel, Reggae, Hip Hop, R&B and Funk. When you listen closely you can hear all the musical elements fused in harmony to bless your soul.

His mission is to bring the gospel to wherever people will hear and receive the word through his music. To break down the walls between "the church" and "the streets." God is for everyone, His son gave his life for everyone and this music is for everyone. Keep your ears and hearts open. Your hearts will be blessed when you hear his music in its entirety.

Oneil Cassells' debut album, Praise Dance was dedicated to his very first supporters, nurturers and fans, his mother, Ms. Lorraine Watkis and his beloved grampsy Ms. Ruby Galimore. He feels very blessed to have such loving dedicated people in his life. He seeks and puts God first in all his business and believes that God will bless him with much success in his life and ministry.

Whenever O’neil is not performing on tour or in the studio, he also teaches Elementary music in the NJ Public school system. In seven years of teaching he has taught ages Kindergarten - College. He is currently working on a children’s music series. The series will include lots of great up-tempo tracks that both parents and children will love. He enjoys working with his elementary musicians and was inspired by them to create this project.

Exclusive Interview with GospelReggae.com

GospelReggae.com: How did you begin doing music?
Oneil Cassells: If it’s possible to be born with music in your veins, I think I was. I started consciously writing Gospel Reggae songs at age 12. Then spent the next 12 years fine tuning my musicianship at Irvington High School and at Westminster Choir College.
GR: What is the most valuable lesson that you learned from your Mom or Dad growing up that you still apply today?
OC: Both parents taught me to put God first, be kind to others, work hard and I will be blessed. I still abide by their life changing advice and I am blessed!!!
GR: What kind of music did you listen to growing up?
OC: I grew up listening to Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, James Brown, Michael Jackson, Mc Hammer, Super Cat, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Grace Thillers, Lt. Sitchie, Papa San...I was exposed to a lot of great music at a very early age.
GR: If you could share the stage with any Christian or secular artist in the world (living or dead) who would it be?
OC: Stevie Wonder
GR: What is your favorite bible verse in the Bible and why?
OC: Philippians 4:13- I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
GR: What Bible character do you most identify yourself with?
OC: David
GR: What do you have to say about (or to) artists that started off in the Christian industry (CBA) doing gospel music and now sing secular (mainstream) with a watered down, or ambiguous message?
OC: A choice like that is between that person and God. I say “I wish you all the best.� And I keep moving...
GR: What goes through your mind before you go onstage at the average show?
OC: “Bless me Lord that I may be a blessing.�
GR: Do you prefer being in the studio or on the road?
OC: Honestly, I enjoy both equally. I love the process of recording, producing, arranging and then finally sharing the world.
GR: Name one thing that fans do not know about you.
OC: I have adventurous taste buds. I’ll try any new food at least once. (If I’m not allergic)
GR: Why do you do music? What is your primary goal?
OC: I was expressing myself through music before using sentences. It is what comes most naturally to me. My primary goal is to break down some walls between “the church� and “the streets� and share the good news with all people.
GR: Could you please give a message to the reggae fans that are reading this and would like to know more about your faith and who Jesus is to you?
OC: Serving God was the greatest decision of my life. Everything else will fade away, but only what we do for Christ will last. God’s grace and mercy keeps me going. Without Him I am nothing. With Him I can accomplish great things because he gives me wisdom and strength.

Ministry

Ministry
To bring the gospel to wherever people will hear and receive the word through my music. To break down the walls between "the church" and "the streets" and share the good news.

Discography

Discography
Praise Dance (2006 O’sha Records & Production)
Reason Fi Di Season (2007 O’sha Records & Production)
In The Valley (2009 O’sha Records & Production

Oneil Cassells In The Valley

Concerts

There are currently no upcoming events listed.

Contact / Booking:

Contact / Booking:
O’sha Records & Production Publishing LLC
Oneil Cassells (CEO)
booking@oneilcassells.com
business@oneilcassells.com

Official EMail:

oneilc@oneilcassells.com

Official Website:

http://www.oneilcassells.com

Photos