Twelve years ago when he became a born-again Christian, former dancer-turned-singer Skeritt Bwoy never imagined that a gospel song that he recorded would end up charting on the iTunes Electronic charts.

The song, Jesus Party, recently peaked at number five on the iTunes Electronic Songs chart, while its accompanying album Jesus Party, Vol 1, peaked at number one on the iTunes Electronic Albums chart.

The success of both the song and album is due in part to a Jesus Party Challenge that Clarendon-based dancer Zorro aka Drip King created. The challenge has gone viral on social media with hundreds of individuals around the world participating in the challenge.

Speaking with the Jamaica Observer, Skeritt Bwoy explained his transition to gospel music:

“When I became a Christian, I went back to school to learn how to create a new style of Christian music, because Christian music at the time sounded dated to my ears. However, when I graduated from music production school I had nowhere to celebrate with this type of music. I remember telling myself if I were a sinner, I would have places and music to choose between. From there, I decided that I wanted to make it possible for Christians to have music and a place to celebrate every day. That’s when the Holy Spirit gave me the hook for the song.”

He was in the midst of touring with Major Lazer, when he decided to give his life to Christ.

“I accepted and applied to Jesus Christ as my personal saviour in November 2011. It was more of a logical decision. I decided to drop everything, cancelled all upcoming shows with Major Lazer and gave promoters back their deposits, stopped cursing, stopped fornicating and even stopped listening to secular music a few years later. I gave it all up and would gladly do it again, because nothing is worth more than God,” said Skeritt Bwoy.

Having toured many countries in his career, he hopes to make a similar impact with gospel.

“I have toured more than 50 countries so far and I hope to make an even more significant and wholesome impact on the world with this electronic gospel album Jesus Party Vol 1 and 2,” Skeritt Bwoy reasoned.

Skeritt Bwoy was born in Antigua and has resided in Bronx, New York, for several years. He became famous for his dance choreography and skills which he showcased at several dancehall events in New York. He was prominently featured in the Major Lazer and Vybz Kartel video Pon Di Floor, which charted on Billboard.

He is quite upbeat about the latest turn of events.

“When the Jesus Party Challenge was created, dancers who some may not consider Christians started doing the challenge. My hope is that this can be an open door to invite the world to a more fun relationship with Jesus.”

Skeritt Bwoy, whose real name is Dale Richardson, is presently studying at Alliance University in New York City in pursuit of a Master of Divinity, focusing on church development.