His father and mother sang on the church choir, his sister danced for Praise Academy of Dance, his uncle Keith played the guitar for the group ‘Chalice’, and his uncle Kevin formed one half of the dynamic gospel dub – poets ‘Kevin & Robin.’ At the tender age of 5, Matthew accepted Jesus into His heart. By age 8, Matthew was singing on his school’s (Mavisville Preparatory) festival choir and also rendering selections at summer camps. Though he sang on most occasions, his selections also involved dub poetry as he and his friend Stephen imitated the dub poets Kevin and Robin. At age 9, Mathew was selected to participate in ‘PSALTY’S CONCERT’ at the National Arena in 1995. He alongside his close friends, among other young students were asked to attend rehearsals with ASHE, who were in charge of preparing all the children for the big evening. Amidst all the dancing and singing at rehearsals, Matthew was chosen to sing one of the solo pieces (as part of the group song). Although he was nervous, Matthew did well as he sang in front of the massive crowd that filled the Arena. After his participation in PSALTY’S CONCERT, Matthew along with Stephen and the Scharchmidt trio began performing most of the songs they learnt. They gave selections at school, church, barbecues, and even summer camps.

     Going into high school, Matthew continued his involvement in music by singing with the Wolmer’s Boys High School choir (1996 - 1997). In January 1998, his interest in gospel reggae gave birth as he saw Papa San performing at Genesis (Church on the Rock). Although somewhat judgemental (since he had never heard deejay in gospel before), Matthew was captivated by San’s style, lyrics, and method. Soon after, he began studying San’s songs and mimicking his performances. In less than two months, Matthew had also begun to deejay. In February 1999, he formed a five-member group, which he dubbed  ‘The Blessed Group.’ With no intention of seriously entering the music ministry/business, Matthew performed with The Blessed Group at various church events - rendering songs from Junior Tucker, as well as Papa San. As the group faced struggles and criticism, two members resigned, reducing the Blessed Group’s membership to three persons.

     In the summer of 1999, The Blessed Group took their music a step further, when they decided that they would begin to compose their own songs. As Leighton and Richard wrote their lyrics, Matthew found it extremely difficult to create anything original. Unknown to others, Matthew was also struggling with his Christianity as he questioned his knowledge and belief in God as well as the bible. Upon reflection, Matthew realized he truly did not have a personal relationship with God. He thought of all the people he had witnessed to, and realized that he himself did not truly know nor believe the things he was telling other people. He wasn’t sure that Jesus was Lord, and he never lived as how a Christian should live. His Christianity was a simple declaration, rather than a true confession, profession, and demonstration. In September 1999, Matthew was invited to an ISCF prayer meeting at his high school. In that meeting, Matthew felt God’s presence and Spirit as he prayed. Right then and there, he recommitted his life to Jesus Christ. When he left that meeting, he felt as if he was a different person. He began having personal devotions, studying his bible, and attending ISCF meetings. He also made space for praying and fasting as often as he could. In the process, Matthew’s relationship with God became very personal as he put all his needs, wants, and concerns before the Lord in prayer. Matthew’s God - driven life also became evident in The Blessed Group, as he began writing his own (God given) songs. By then end of the year 2000, Matthew had written over ten songs.

     Despite having original songs, The Blessed Group still continued to render songs written by Junior Tucker, Acapella and Papa San. In the year 2001, the (now) four-member group became diversified with Matthew and (his cousin) Richard as the deejays, Leighton as the drummer, and Peter as the bass guitar player. On July 4th, 2001, The Blessed Group did their first original performance at a concert entitled ‘Youth Link’ on the roof of Twin City Restaurant in Portmore. They did reasonably well and were soon called for other upcoming engagements. In September 2001, they entered the Y.F.C deejay competition and won the trophy at all three levels: 1) Regional (Bridgeport), 2) Parish (St. Catherine), and 3) National. The group continued to minister at various church concerts and barbecues, sharing the stage with members of the Main Street Crew (Mr. Gallimore, Goddy Goddy, Prodigal, and Moses). On December 25^th, 2001, the group had the privilege of performing at Gospel N’ Motion, and went on to minister at Genesis in January 2002. As the year went on, the group also ministered at various church/ISCF events. With the addition of two keyboardists (Colin Holness and Paul Eastwood), the group’s membership had risen to six.  

     At the end of July 2002, The Blessed Group lost one of its deejays, as Richard migrated to New York. This put a huge burden on Matthew, as he had never (before) performed by himself at any level. With some preparation from solo performances @ his church and CAAS Camp (that same year), Matthew continued in the ministry. Since he would now go onstage as a solo artiste, he searched tediously for a deejay stage name. He considered using ‘Cablewire’ or ‘The Anointed Chicken’, but the Lord in His wisdom led him to call himself ‘Blessed’ – since there was no longer a group, but a person who went up to minister and perform. His musicians were declared ‘The Blessed Band’ and so the foundation and history of The Blessed Group was evident in the name of the artiste as well as the band.

     As a solo artiste, Blessed has performed at over 40 events (including Gospel N Motion, Genesis, Xtreme Impact, Rise To Christ, Salvation PHD, and his own concert - Operation Consecration). He has also shared the stage with the likes of Papa San, Sister Scully, The Prodigal Son, DJ Nicholas, Prodigy, and Sherwin Gardner. At present, Blessed works with Calee, Venecia and Lee as his official back up singers’ team; while his musicians comprise of  Kermit, Andre, Jermaine, and Leighton. So far, Blessed has released two singles: 1) ‘Dandy Shandy’ and 2) ‘King Jesus Reigns’ (in which he features Garfield Reid on the Mainframe Riddim Compilation Cd). Both songs were produced by Dale Virgo for Dizzle Lab Productions. With God as His help and guide, Blessed humbly aims to minister to believers and non-Christians alike; professing the gospel of Jesus Christ through his God – given lyrics.

“To God be the glory and the honour. Let His will be done in everything we do (forever and ever)”— Blessed.