She Is... Jodian Pantry (International Women's Day 2025 Feature)

In honour of International Women’s Day, Noble Media Network has partnered with With A Purpose International’s "She Is" Initiative to highlight 8 women who inspire us to have bold faith. The "She Is" Initiative celebrates women who lead with authenticity and confidence as they walk in their purpose.

For over two decades, Jodian Pantry has been one of Jamaica’s most recognizable and anointed voices in gospel music. From her early days as a child prodigy in the JCDC Gospel Song Competition to becoming a household name on the popular talent TV show, Digicel Rising Stars—on which she returned as a guest judge in 2024—she has remained a powerful force in ministry and worship.

With a voice that breaks yokes and uplifts hearts, Jodian has used her gift not just to sing, but to minister, heal, and encourage—both through her music and her testimony.

A Voice That Captured a Nation

Jodian’s journey into gospel music began at a young age when she entered the 2001 JCDC Gospel Song Competition with her soul-stirring song, “I’ll Give My Heart.” But a young girl at the time, her voice carried a depth and anointing beyond her years, earning her a second-place finish in the competition.

But it was in 2007, when she competed on Digicel Rising Stars, that she became a national favourite. Finishing as runner-up to international reggae singer Romain Virgo, Jodian’s talent proved undeniable. She later went on to become one of Jamaica’s most renowned gospel ministers, gracing some of the country’s biggest stages and blessing audiences with her signature sound.

Jodian recently ministered at the 2024 Sterling Gospel Music Awards, a testament to her continued impact and presence in the industry.

Ministry Through Music

Jodian has embraced her calling to minister to people through song. Over the years, she has performed at countless gospel concerts, and worship events, carrying a message of hope, healing, and breakthrough.

Before re-focusing on gospel music, she lent her voice to cabaret, working in various hotels. While this season refined her skills as a performer, she knew deep down that her voice was meant for ministry. Eventually, she embraced her true calling—leading people into worship and delivering songs that touch the soul.

A Multi-Faceted Woman

One of the most beautiful traits Jodian has is her ability and desire to continuously evolve. As she maintains a strong presence in gospel music, she has also shown herself to be a talented actress, starring in the “hilarious satirical theatre revue” Pitchy Patchy alongside—also featured—Daindra Harrison, among other prominent names such as broadcast specialist Simone Clarke, actor and musician Kadeem Wilson and former Miss Jamaica World 2015 Dr. Saneeta Myrie.

In 2007, she founded the Jodian Pantry foundation and since then she has remained true to its mission of providing aid to poverty-stricken communities across Jamaica.

Finding Strength Through Brokenness

In recent years, Jodian has been vocal about her personal struggles, particularly regarding her divorce. She has shared how she endured an emotionally toxic and draining marriage, a broken relationship that left her feeling shattered and lost.

Instead of allowing the pain to silence her, she chose to heal out loud—sharing her testimony and using music as a part of her restoration journey. Her deeply personal cover of Michael Bolton’s 1989 hit, “When I’m Back on My Feet Again,” released on April 24, 2022, was a powerful declaration of her perseverance and faith in God’s restoring power.

Her latest single, “God Is Right There With You,” has been blessing thousands as well, offering comfort and hope to those who feel alone in their struggles. 

“Hard pressed on every side but not crushed,” she boldly declares in her Instagram bio.

A true symbol of resilience, Jodian Pantry is living proof that God truly makes all things new. Through every season, she continues to walk in bold faith, lifting others through the power of song and testimony.

A Closer Look w/ Jodian Pantry

Your journey in gospel music started at such a young age. Looking back at your early days in the JCDC Gospel Song Competition, did you ever imagine you’d be where you are today?

JODIAN: Looking back from 2001, I knew I was destined for greatness. I recognized that I was special because of the gift of singing that God had placed within me. I was also deeply passionate about music from an early age.  

Digicel Rising Stars introduced you to an even wider audience. How did that experience shape your career and ministry?

JODIAN: Digicel Rising Stars has played a pivotal role in shaping my career and musical journey. It provided a solid foundation that catapulted me into places I had only dreamed of and introduced me to people I once only imagined meeting.

You’ve been one of Jamaica’s go-to gospel ministers for years. What keeps you grounded and passionate about ministry?

JODIAN: What keeps me grounded is Jesus. I know that the gift I carry is for Him, and I cannot take it for granted. If I were to do so, I fear losing it, and that is not something I can afford to let happen. 

You’ve been very open about your divorce and healing journey. What gave you the courage to share that part of your life publicly?

JODIAN: Divorce, unfortunately, happens, and navigating life afterward is never easy—whether you are a Christian woman, a man, or anyone facing the pain of separation. It is incredibly difficult. I believe that sharing our undiluted truth raises awareness about the sharp edges of marriage. If not handled carefully, many will be left nursing deep wounds.

My courage to speak openly comes from my desire to see married couples win. I want those who are engaged, newly married, or praying for a spouse to trod carefully. At the same time, I want those in toxic or abusive relationships to love themselves enough to recognize when someone is no longer for them. 

“When I’m Back on My Feet Again” was such a powerful statement of your resilience. What led you to cover that particular song, and what did it mean for you personally?

JODIAN: "When I'm Back on My Feet Again" was sent to me by Mr. Paul Patmore. He believed the song reflected my personal journey at that time. When I first listened to it, I broke down completely. The song reminded me that I was not going to die in my wilderness, and that those who rejoiced over my rock-bottom moments would soon see me rise—stronger and better than before. To this day, it remains one of the most loved and requested songs whenever I perform. 

Your latest single, “God Is Right There with You,” has been touching so many lives. What inspired that track?

JODIAN: "God Is Right There with You" came from a place of self-affirmation. I wrote it at a time when my heart and soul were consumed by pain. I felt like my life was ending, but as I stood before the mirror, those words came to me. Writing to the instrumental provided by Sanjay Pennant of Brain Freeze Records in Mandeville became easier, even though I had lost my enthusiasm for music at that time. 

Gospel music isn’t just about talent—it’s about anointing. How do you ensure that your music remains a ministry and not just a performance?

JODIAN: To ensure that my music remains a ministry and not just a performance, I must have a deep and unwavering relationship with Jesus Christ. He strengthens me and opens doors for me. The deeper I go into the Word, the more I ignite with the fire of God when I step onto a stage. What I sing at a conference, an award ceremony, or a wedding is performance at its best. But saving souls for the Kingdom of God? That is in a category unmatched by anything else.

What’s the most powerful testimony you’ve heard from someone impacted by your music?

JODIAN: Two of the most powerful testimonies I have ever received reaffirmed my purpose. The first came from a man now living in the Cayman Islands. He told me about a time when I boarded a taxi in May Pen as the only female passenger, accompanied by a child.

As I entered, I began singing my song "I'll Give My Heart." Unbeknownst to me, the men in that vehicle were on their way to commit a murder. Later, he asked me if I wasn’t afraid to travel alone with a car full of men. I replied, "Don’t you see I’m not alone? Look... my angels are with me." He told me that moment changed everything.

The second testimony came from a man I met in downtown Kingston, pushing a handcart. He shared that he plays my song every day at home and that it led him to give his life to Christ and get baptized when he was in his early twenties. 

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, new music, or events we should look out for?

Looking ahead, my focus is on recording an album and going on tour. That is what’s next on my journey.

Connect with Jodian on her social pages:

Instagram: @jodian_adira_pantry