When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world like a ton of bricks five years ago, scores of people were affected. There were job losses, deaths, and every sector of society felt its wrath.

Remembering how the world was affected, gospel singer Septimus decided to put pen to paper and write the song Praying for You.

“The inspiration for the song was mainly about the recent pandemic and how the world was going through that crisis,” Septimus told the Jamaica Observer recently.

Praying for You is produced by Glenn Blakeney, and it was released in December 2024.

“So much was going on, and even my life was affected. But the grace and power of the Lord kept us going and we weathered the storm. All praises unto Him,” said Septimus.

Septimus is a former Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Gospel Song winner. He won the competition in 1994 with the song Jesus is Coming Again.

“Winning the competition opened an opportunity to travel all over Jamaica to sing and record my first album with a record label. The main reasons why I entered were to showcase my talent and to also become a winner. The experience was eye-opening and very beneficial for my career,” Septimus recalled.

The Marlin Gospel awardee (2002) is originally from Mount Charles in Mavis Bank, rural St Andrew. He got baptised at the age of 20 and worshipped at Bethlehem Reformed Church of God.

Born Huntley Septimus, he is a trained chef, motivational speaker, and evangelist. He presently resides in Bermuda with his wife and two sons.

Septimus notes that there are several issues affecting young Christians, including sex and sexuality. He offered advice on how they can navigate these issues.

“Just turn to God, he knows best about mankind, so if you listen and obey his command you will be successful and prosperous,” said Septimus.

To date, he has released four albums — Jesus is Coming Again (1994), War Against the Devil (2000), Role Model (2004), and Mission (2019).