Gospel recording artiste O’Shane McHugh is working on inspiring and encouraging those who are going through depression or are unable to accomplish goals that they have set for themselves on his latest single,
No Surrendah.

“No Surrendah was designed to uplift, motivate, and to encourage. It’s really a mindset to be winners and I’ve also noticed a lot of people are going through depression and they’re not winning. I feel like encouraging them with this song,” McHugh told the Jamaica Observer on Friday.

Produced by JW Productions and released in July, No Surrendah features AdeJoe.

“The feedback has been great, people feel blessed and encouraged and I’m grateful for that,” said McHugh.

The artiste emerged on the gospel music scene 18 years ago. He has been a born-again Christian since 2000.

“I decided to pursue music out of a discussion that I had with my father inside a supermarket in the Duhaney Park area. My father is a pastor and he said that I have a good voice, based on what he heard when I sang in church, and he said that I should try making music. So my pursuit of music came out of that conversation with my dad,” McHugh disclosed.

He also shared that his journey in music hasn’t been an easy one.

“It has been challenging with its ups and downs. Along the journey, the lesson learnt is just to be true to myself, my ministry, and what I believe in,” he said.

Two years ago McHugh was nominated in the category Breakout Artiste of the Year in the Sterling Gospel Music Awards.

“Just the whole thought of it brings me back to the moment. It helped to push my brand and I’ve been on several gospel shows since then,” McHugh said.

McHugh teaches Industrial techniques, including technical drawing at Kingston College.

Asked how he juggles teaching and pursing a career in music, he said: “It wasn’t easy in the beginning; however, as a teacher, we learn how to balance, and learn how to plan. It’s all about time management and discipline.”

McHugh attends the Emmanuel Apostolic Church in Belmont where he has been a member all his life.

— Kevin Jackson