After surviving a violent attack at age 17, Ockeino Grant gave his life to Jesus Christ, but did not turn his back on the dancehall rhythms he loved because of that newfound faith.

In fact, he embraced it even more as a recording artiste.

Last week saw the release of Son Up Vol 1, a “juggling” EP that contains six songs.

Grant told the Jamaica Observer that his objective was to produce songs by like-minded acts on an old school dancehall beat.

“This generation is one of the hardest to reach with the gospel, and dancehall music is a proven tool that is being used to reach this generation, so why not use the sounds that people are already familiar with?” he asked. “At the end of the day, the lyrics must be Christ-centred. All musical sounds belong to God, so we are not stealing dancehall, we are just using the tools that our Father gave us to use for His glory.”

The Florida resident has two songs on Son Up Vol 1. They are Through Love and Breakthrough, the latter done with singer Sone G, who also contributes God Inna Me to the EP.

Other artistes and songs on Son Up Vol 1 are Jodyan Morgan ( Repent), Godson Four Corners ( Run di Place), DaJourney ( Milk And Honey), and Biblical Lyricist ( Carry The Bible).

From the seafaring town of Old Harbour, St Catherine, Grant’s interest in music grew while attending church and intensified when he migrated to the United States 10 years ago.

In 2017, Grant’s first song, In All The Earth, was released. Three years later came Beauty For Ashes, his debut album.

He wants Son Up Vol 1 to connect with traditionalists and fans of reggae gospel.

“We believe Christians should be able to enjoy music just as anyone else, but, of course, within the context of being holy. Dancehall gospel music can definitely be used to spread the gospel and influence our youth to live a life cemented in God,” said Grant.