From Kafinal to Jef Wyllz, entertainer now singing for the Lord

Recording artiste Jef Wyllz, formerly known as the award-winning singer, comedian and actor Kafinal, has opened a new chapter in his life.

He recently became a born-again Christian and is focused on using his talent to spread the message of the Lord in music.

Jef Wyllz explained his decision to recommit his life to the Lord.

“To be honest, I was baptised when I was younger, (and) even though I strayed from the faith, the calling has always been there to return to the faith. The music I do now is more than just entertaining, I am ministering the gospel of Jesus Christ, an ambassador of the Kingdom,” Jef Wyllz shared.

“The Christian life is one that comes with many challenges and at the same time it is the life that connects you to the Creator, the sovereign God. I can assure you it is the most fulfilling life, the most purposeful and secure life.”

no regrets

Originally from Kingston, Jef Wyllz relocated to Canada where he has resided in Toronto for the past 17 years.

Looking back, he recalls his time in the secular world.

“From a tender age, I had been performing at school, church and community events. Then, in 1997, I did my first recording on Hard Bark Record label,” said Jef Wyllz, who also acted in roots theatre, appearing in plays such as Brother Desmond and Two Fowl a Mi Yard.

Since he became a vessel for the Lord, Jef Wyllz spoke on his relationship with the Almighty.

“I am still on the potter’s wheel; I am still a work in progress. I love the Lord and it’s my desire to make it into his Kingdom,” he notes.

As the artiste Kafinal, he won the JUNO Award (Canada’s equivalent to the Grammy) for Reggae Recording of the Year in 2016 for the song Nah Complain, which featured veteran reggae artiste Daddy U Roy.

Jef Wyllz says he has no regrets turning his life around.

“None whatsoever, actually I wish I was walking this walk way sooner, and I also pray all who hear the calling will answer and let God reign supreme in their lives.”

song about hope and peace

Jef Wyllz’s current single is a cover of I Speak Jesus. The song, originally recorded in 2019 by the collective Hear Be Lions, became a worldwide Christian anthem in 2021, thanks to an updated version by American contemporary Christian music worship leader, singer and songwriter Charity Gayle, featuring Steven Musso.

His version was released in August via Sing N Act Entertainment, and it was produced by Owen Rennals, who is also the bass player on the song. Other musicians who contributed to the song include Cleveland ‘Clevie’ Browne (drums), Nicholas Groskopf (guitar), and Odane Stephens (keyboard).

“ I Speak Jesus is a song about hope and peace stating that Jesus is our peace. It encourages me and I hope it will be just as uplifting and encouraging to others and hopefully lead them to Jesus Christ. The message is that there is power in the name of Jesus ultimately, He is the answer to all our issues, He is our healer, He is our strength and ultimately our saviour,” said Jef Wyllz.

He worships at the Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church in Toronto, Canada.