Jimmy D Psalmist

Jimmy Johnson Essien, professionally known as Jimmy D Psalmist, is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, worship leader, and recording artist whose music has become deeply woven into contemporary Christian worship across Africa and the global church. Born on 25 August 1983 in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, he was raised in the family of Dr. and Mrs. J. J. Essien, where faith, discipline, and education formed the foundation of his life and calling.

Jimmy D Psalmist’s journey into music began early. He started singing at the age of seven and gradually developed a passion for leading worship rather than merely performing. This calling matured over time into a ministry centred on ushering people into moments of spiritual encounter through praise and song. Alongside his musical development, he pursued formal education and graduated with honours in Physics from the University of Calabar, reflecting a balance between academic discipline and creative faith expression.

With over 15 years of active worship leadership, Jimmy D Psalmist has written some of the most widely sung worship songs in Nigerian and African churches today. His catalogue includes powerful anthems such as “Mighty Man of War,” “Consuming Fire,” “Indomitable,” “Name Above All Names,” “Great and Terrible,” and more than 50 other songs that continue to be used in congregational worship around the world. Drawing inspiration from the Holy Spirit and real-life experiences, his songwriting is marked by reverence, scriptural depth, and emotional sincerity.

Jimmy has recorded four albums, and his live worship expressions have played a significant role in shaping his ministry. In 2014, he became the first Nigerian gospel artist to release a High Definition live worship album DVD, setting a new standard for worship recordings in the country. His WAR-SHIP Experience Concert, recorded live in May 2021, further cemented his reputation as a worship leader deeply committed to excellence and authenticity.

He is also the convener of Praise Unlimited, a worship gathering that has impacted thousands of worshippers in Abuja and beyond. In addition, Jimmy D Psalmist serves as the president of Divino Records, a label established to nurture and transform gospel music ministry across Nigeria and Africa. He continues to serve as an international worship leader at Shepherds House Assembly International in Abuja.

Recognised for his contribution to gospel music, Jimmy has received several international honours, including Maranatha Awards Africa (Best Song of the Year 2018 and 2020) and Sauti Awards USA (Best Song of the Year 2018 and Inspirational Song of the Year 2019), among many nominations worldwide.

Married to Mary-Joy Jimmy, with whom he shares two children, King-David and Alexis, Jimmy D Psalmist remains a devoted family man and servant-leader. His enduring legacy lies not only in awards or recordings, but in the countless lives strengthened, healed, and inspired through his music and ministry.

Sources:

• NigeriaRadioStation.com

• Online gospel music profiles and Google search references