Official Bio

Being the fifth of six children born to Lennox and Hyacinth O' Neil and
growing up in one of the toughest Communities in Trinidad, Jason's parents
ensured that he was involved in church at a tender age.
After avoiding the influence of drugs,gangs and violence through much of his
teenage years by being heavily involved in Church, his love for singing and
writing was birthed as his relationship with Jesus Christ deepened.

In 1997, 'Todah' co-founded one of the most renowned gospel groups in
Trinidad, "Melchizedek Order" , of which he was a lead vocalist. His unique
style integrates his faith and the authentic rhythms of the Caribbean. The
fusion of issue-addressing lyrics alongside pulsating rhythms of Soca,
Reggae, Rapso and Dancehall was the main signature of the group and
catapulted them into winning the "Best New Artist" award in the Trinidad and
Tobago Music Awards in 1999. Later that year, at the Bahamian Marlin
Caribbean Awards the group was awarded the "Most Outstanding Group Vocal
Performance" for their album, "Triumph in the midst of Babylon."

Melchizedek Order's ministry was not only limited to Concerts but it
extended to School and Street ministry, reaching out to young people in all
sectors of the community.

"Todah" migrated to the U.S.A. in 2000 where he has since been featured on
several album compilations in connection with Christafari's Loin of Zion
Recording Label. He has also shared the stage with ministers such as
Broadway Boys International,Tiko Angelos ,Mr. Mention, Gita Dan, Sherwin
Gardner,Monty G, Issac Blackman, Prodigal Son, Stichie and Kirk Franklin
just to name a few and has ministered in the Caribbean and extensively
across Trinidad and Tobago.

His desire to execute God's purpose through music burns in his heart
stronger than before, as he strives to bring the love of God to the world,
reaching people at their point of Spiritual and Physical need.

Exclusive Interview with GospelReggae.com

GR: How did you begin doing music?

Todah: Well, I've always loved music but one experience really started my
desire. In my mid teens my cousin had a Music programme in Church an she had
me sing in the choir and do a rap song with one of my friends.. that was
like a catalyst for me to begin doing music that represents Jesus Christ.

GR: Tell me, how did your name come about? Any obstacles with it--funny
mispronunciations, etc…?

Todah: My friend who co-founded Melchizedek Order with me...we were invited
to sing in a concert hosted by the group 'Culture Rammers', they advised us
to get a group name and to name ourselves individually , so we prayed about
it.. My friend Darryl, he came up with the group name 'Melchizedek Order'
and I decided on 'Todah'..which means to praise God as a sacrifice...or to
give thanks.

GR: I know that you have written a whole heap of songs in the past, but
what's your favorite one? Now, if that is too hard for you to answer, then
tell me this; if you spent 5 minutes with an avid reggae fan and only had
enough time to play them one of your songs, which one would you play them?

Todah: Well.. that song would be God Is Real.. It's one of the first songs
I wrote. I just love its message.

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?
Todah: Well..I don't know... to each his own ..(lol) I'm not the type to
Judge..even though from the question it's obvious that the person has
stepped back from what he or she believes...One thing I know for sure is
that we all have to give an account to God for what we do.

GR: As Christians, God is of course our true inspiration, but beyond the
generic response of "Jesus," what are your muses in your life (for lack of a
better word)? For example, what are the people, places, or things that
trigger a fresh musical idea and ultimately a new song for you?

Todah: Honestly, Life inspires me.. The Word of God..
family..music..travel..just being in a different place, 'limin' with friends
or something you hear on the news or see on television or a situation you
might find yourself in or see others going through.

GR: What has been your lowest moment so far in life?

Todah: When I migrated to the US..(lol).. no.. that was a good thing... but
leaving my wife who was my girl friend at the time.. family ..close friends
and the Group...that was really tough.

GR: What has been your highest moment?
Todah: When I got married and the birth of my daughter. I cried like a baby
for both..(lol)


GR: Can you name three things that you wish you knew when you first got
started doing music?

Todah: Well...where can I start..I wish I had a better understanding of the
Music Industry.. I still wish to...you know copyright and royalties,
publishing..that would've prevented a whole lot of mistakes..another would
be how to write music in the sense of song structure to get the message
across and just how to be a better steward of this gift God has blessed me
with.

GR: What country would you tour (even if you didn't get paid to perform)?

Todah: Africa..the Mother Land..(lol) for sure.


GR: What goes through your mind before you go onstage at the average show?
Todah: Honestly, I get really nervous.. no matter how many times I've been
onstage. I always desire to speak the Truth, represent Jesus Christ..to
encourage someone to serve Christ and just to be a vessel fit for the
Master's use.

GR: If you could whisper in the ears of youths aspiring to start a music
ministry like yours, what would you say?
Todah: Knowledge..knowledge..knowledge..People perish for the lack of
knowledge..well wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Educate yourself about
all aspects of the Industry.. I'm not saying to be a control freak or
anything like that..(lol) but know what's going on and why. Talk to others
involved in Music and ask for advice.. you know the Word of God says in the
multitude of counsellors there is safety.

GR: Are you working on any future projects/releases that we should look out
for?

Todah: Yes..upcoming studio Album 'Christ is my Salvation' .. actually debut
solo Album..(lol).. after all this time..Thank you Jesus!. It will be
released in 2009 and I've already officially released two singles 'Christian
Anthem' and 'Your Word/Like ah Lamp' both produced by Mark 'Jah Servant'
Giles.

Let me say Thanks for the opportunity!

Christ Peace.

Ministry

I believe with all my heart that God has called me to
declare his Word in Music first to the Church and then to the World.

Discography

"Triumph in the Midst of Babylon"
Dancehall Baptism 1&2
To The King
Hot Bread

Concerts

There are currently no upcoming events listed.

Contact / Booking:

828-398-9505
Booking Contact* : Denique O' Neil tel.:1-828-775-0499.
email:christchile@gmail.com

Official Website:

www.reverbnation.com/jasononeilmusic.

Photos