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The story behind the experience

About Gospel
in Paradise.

Faith. Music. Culture. Community.

A premier Caribbean gospel music experience rooted in the U.S. Virgin Islands and created to inspire hearts, strengthen communities, and welcome the world.

Our story

Faith. Music.
Culture. Community.

Gospel in Paradise is a premier Caribbean gospel music experience created to bring people together through the power of faith, uplifting music, and community.

Hosted in the beautiful U.S. Virgin Islands, the event blends world-class gospel entertainment with the warmth, culture, and spirit of the Caribbean to create an unforgettable experience for residents and visitors alike.

What began as a vision to create a unique platform for gospel music in the Virgin Islands has grown into an annual celebration of worship, inspiration, unity, and purpose. Gospel in Paradise brings together internationally recognized gospel artists, talented local and regional performers, churches, families, young people, businesses, and community partners for an evening designed to encourage hearts and strengthen communities.

The inaugural Gospel in Paradise concert was held in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, in September 2025, establishing the foundation for a continuing concert series and community movement. Building on that momentum, Gospel in Paradise continues to expand its reach through live concerts, youth-centered initiatives, community engagement, and partnerships that create meaningful experiences beyond the stage.

At the heart of Gospel in Paradise is a commitment to the next generation. Through initiatives such as youth empowerment activities and sponsored concert experiences, we seek to give young people opportunities to encounter positive influences, discover purpose, build confidence, and experience faith in an environment that is energetic, relevant, and inspiring.

Gospel in Paradise is more than a concert.

It is a celebration of faith.A gathering of community.A platform for inspiration.And a Caribbean experience with a purpose.

Our vision is to establish Gospel in Paradise as a signature gospel music and faith-based cultural experience in the Caribbean—welcoming audiences from across the Virgin Islands, the wider Caribbean, the United States, and beyond to experience gospel in paradise.

The people behind the vision

Meet
the team.

Behind Gospel in Paradise is a husband-and-wife team united by faith, a love for their community, and a shared passion for creating experiences that inspire, uplift, and bring people together.

Aquila Jackson at Gospel in Paradise

Creator & Visionary, Gospel in Paradise

Aquila Jackson, MPA

Aquila Jackson is the creator and driving visionary behind Gospel in Paradise. With a passion for faith, community engagement, and creating meaningful experiences, Aquila envisioned an event that would bring world-class gospel music to the U.S. Virgin Islands while creating an atmosphere where people of all ages could worship, connect, and be inspired.

Aquila holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of the Virgin Islands and has built her professional career around community outreach, program development, education, and service. Her experience includes developing outreach strategies, connecting families with resources and support services, coordinating community initiatives, and organizing special events ranging from celebrations and church programs to large-scale community experiences.

Through Gospel in Paradise, Aquila combines her experience in event coordination and community engagement with her faith and commitment to positively impacting the next generation. Her vision extends beyond producing an annual concert—she seeks to build a platform that creates opportunities for youth, strengthens community partnerships, celebrates Caribbean culture, and brings people together through the transformative power of gospel music.

Julian DJ JD Jackson Jr. with his DJ controller

Co-Producer, Gospel DJ & Community Ambassador

Julian “DJ JD” Jackson Jr.

Julian “DJ JD” Jackson Jr. brings a distinctive combination of music, ministry, mentorship, and Caribbean energy to Gospel in Paradise.

Born and raised in St. Thomas and a graduate of Charlotte Amalie High School, Julian is known as the Virgin Islands’ dedicated Gospel DJ, creating high-energy musical experiences that blend faith, positivity, and Caribbean culture. Behind the turntables, DJ JD uses music as a platform to encourage audiences and create an atmosphere of celebration and praise.

His service to the community extends far beyond music. Julian is a minister, motivational speaker, mentor, and accomplished boxing coach. He served as Head Coach for the U.S. Virgin Islands Olympic Boxing Team at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro and is the founder and lead coach of the “I Believe I Can Fly” Boxing Program, where he uses sports and mentorship to encourage and develop young people.

Through Gospel in Paradise, Julian helps bring the vision to life with an infectious energy and an unwavering commitment to faith, youth, and community.

A shared vision

Building something
bigger than one night.

Together, Aquila and Julian are committed to building Gospel in Paradise into more than an annual event. Their vision is to create a lasting platform where faith, music, culture, youth empowerment, and community come together—and where the U.S. Virgin Islands can welcome the world to experience gospel in paradise.

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