TEN months ago Prince Saj was the first runner-up in the ‘Magnum Top Performa’ competition while King Calie secured top honours. Last weekend, however, Prince Saj got his crowning moment. He was named Breakout Sensation of the Year at the Sterling Gospel Music Awards — an honour of which he is proud.

“Winning Breakout Sensation of the Year shows that many people are recognising the work that God has been using me to do, and I feel really great knowing that,” Prince Saj disclosed in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

The other nominees in the Breakout Sensation of the Year category were Sone G, Victor Brown, and O’Shane McHugh.

“I wouldn’t say I expected to win because any one of the nominees could’ve won. I’m just grateful to God for allowing me to walk away with the award,” said Prince Saj.

It has been two years since Prince Saj walked away from pursuing a career in secular music to give his life to the Lord. Since venturing into gospel music he has released songs including Fully Jesus, Overcome, Greatness, Spiritual Warfare, Psalm 46 and Alpha Omega.

He gave kudos to the Magnum Top Performa competition for allowing him to grow as an artiste.

“I’ve evolved into knowing more about the music industry and how to be more professional as it relates to musical production. The Top Performa competition provided a platform so that many more persons could see me and also to hear the word of God; it also gave me recognition as well,” said Prince Saj.

The 22-year-old Prince Saj, whose given name is Saja Smith, grew up between Font Hill, St Thomas, and Angels in St Catherine. He attended the Seaforth High School in St Thomas.