At the age of 10 Vennica Nicholson Reid gave her life to Christ. The now-gospel recording artiste and minister says it hasn’t been without challenges.

“It’s not an easy path to walk, but the journey, thanks be to God, has been rewarding… It’s been a real challenge keeping focused amidst the many distractions of secular music, dress, social media, and a pull towards worldliness and its allurements. And to accept pain knowing that it is for my spiritual growth and maturity,” Nicholson Reid told the Jamaica Observer on Friday.

Learning to forgive is among the significant lessons on her journey.

“My high points are many. I’m learning how to forgive those who hurt me; to accept my trials knowing that my way maker, my promise keeper will make a way of escape. All I need to do is trust Him and watch Him work. I have had many answered prayers and my testimonies of the power of Christ at work in my life are countless,” Nicholson Reid shared.

She started out honing her musical chops as a member of Woodford Seventh-day Adventists Church Choir and later with the Jamaica Youth Chorale.

Originally from the east-rural St Andrew community of Woodford District, Nicholson Reid studied at Kingsway High School and then she matriculated to Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, where she earned a degree in music and music education. She also has a distinction of honour in voice from the Royal School of Music in the United Kingdom.

Twelve years ago Nicholson Reid entered the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Song competition in which she finished second place with her entry
Victory.

When asked what led her to ministry, Nicholson Reid said: “It was my love for Christ, love for His word, and just to please Him. I’m sold out to Jesus. Even though I’m a trained teacher my real passion is music ministry, I’ve been a singing evangelist, worship leader, choir director locally and internationally. It was after staying home with my mom for 3 years, who was stricken with bone cancer, and who went to sleep in my arms that during my crucible period that I experienced God as never before at a much deeper level, and that led me to take the big leap of faith to full-time music ministry.”

Her most recent body of work, a 12-song album titled
Praises to the King, was released two years ago.

She is among the line-up of acts billed to perform at Arise 2025, which takes place on Sunday, April 20, at the National Arena.

Popular American southern gospel group The Hoppers, Gospel Proclaimers, H.U.M.B.L.E., Carey Sayles, and Kingsway Alumni Reunion Voices are also scheduled to perform.

Arise 2025 forms part of Kingsway High School Alumni’s seven-day reunion celebration, which kick-starts activities on April 16 through to April 22.

Nicholson Reid shared what patrons can expect from her performance.

“Deep soulful worship. I love to worship, and I know worshippers from the length and breadth of this island will be at Arise 2025. I’ll be working with a live band, along with the other spirit-filled ministers. It promises to be one awesome evening,” she said.