Eight years after he released his first single titled Crazy Praise in 2017, gospel recording artiste Naurice Edwards finally released his debut album Highly Connected last November.

The 15-track project took almost two years to complete. However, the production came with multiple challenges.

“I cannot lie, it was extremely difficult,” Naurice told the Jamaica Observer. “Many times, I wanted to give up. The resources were limited and finding people to help most times was hard. It took an enormous effort and sacrifice in time and financing. My wife was the one who encouraged me along the way that this album is needed and is a good sacrifice to make. She was my biggest supporter on this project. I enjoyed the creation process and had a lot of fun creating songs, but it was not easy.”

Highly Connected features the title track, as well as Casting My Cares, New Day, Encounter, Be With You, We Pray, Truth, Jesus is King, Bless Me, All My Praise, and Jesus Alone.

Said Naurice, “I had a few songs that were already released as singles that ended up being a part of this album. To be highly connected means that you have a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. No matter what we are going through in life or what stage of life we are at, we need a connection with Jesus Christ. Living in this world is not an easy task but with Christ in the vessel we can smile at the storm. God also reminded me that even though someone may not have any ‘big links’ or ‘connections’ in this life, being highly connected to Jesus Christ is enough to bring us all that we need.”

Naurice produced the album’s 15 tracks. He also worked with musicians, singers and engineers including from Jamaica, the United States, Nigeria, Brazil, and Argentina.

He shared the message that listeners will take away after listening to the project.

“We live in a world where people are connected more than ever through technology and social media, but we have lost our true connection with our Creator. So this album is a reminder that the greatest connection we can have is with Jesus Christ. All other life connections are pointless if we do not have a connection to God our Father through Jesus Christ,” Naurice shared.

Naurice developed his musical chops first as a musician, where he played keyboard, drum and bass at a small family church called Triumphant Church of God.

Originally from the inner-city of Kingston 13, he attended Rousseau Primary School and later on the Ardenne High and the University of Technology, Jamaica, where he earned a BBA in Finance and International Business.

For the past 30 years, Naurice has followed the path of Christianity.

“I became a born-again Christian because I was born in a Christian home. My father was a pastor, mother was an evangelist. That was my world and I felt that God gave me talents to be used in church. I got saved at age 14 with no great transformation story because church was already my life but over the years, I understood more and realised that God was calling me to use all my skills and talents to inspire and lead others to a greater relationship with Jesus Christ,” Naurice disclosed.

He currently serves as music director and worship leader at his local church. He has a passion for motivating others through music, encouraging everyone to be the best they can be and to seek Jesus Christ.

Naurice currently worships at Pure in Heart Ministries International, which is pastored by Prophet Ryan Mark Reynolds.