Local Gospel Artist “Lady D” Presents New Christmas Single Sunday at Frederiksted Church of the Nazarene

ST. CROIX – It took a really bad breakup to get Denise “Lady Tonge” to stop running from what she believes is a divine calling to the music industry. Today, she’s asking for the public’s support for her new single “Christmas Time” via online purchases and attendance at her live performance Sunday at the Frederiksted Church of the Nazarene.

Tonge was an adult when she was asked to perform her first solo in church, and she was petrified.

“Believe it or not – I cracked,” she recounted. “Someone shouted in the congregation, ‘Sing it, girl!’ and I cracked even more.”

From that point on, the St. Croix native found new ways to dodge solo opportunities at various churches on island. Her tactics were limitless; once, she stopped attending one church altogether when she was pressured to perform.

But then her 12-year relationship took a turn for the worst, and that changed everything.

“The only comfort and joy that I had were those songs that ministered to my heart,” she said.

She believes that divine intervention placed her “back against the wall,” prompting her to pursue her gift while spreading the gospel message of Christianity.

“When you run from what God is calling you to,” she said, “you run from what God is placing in your life to be big.”

In Aug. 2015, Tonge released two singles: “Alright, Alright” and “Zion Children,” a local favorite. “Alright, Alright” was streamed over the Internet enough times to make it onto Pandora, an online radio station that allows users from all over the world to play their favorite selections for free.

Tonge’s latest single is “Christmas Time”. She credits divine inspiration for penning the catchy tune that offers a message of love and happiness.

This message isn’t just for the season, she said. According to Tonge, it can last all year-round “as long as you have the joy of Jesus Christ in your heart.”

The new song starts out with a voice of innocence in that of Tonge’s 10-year-old daughter, Jaida. She identifies her daughter’s voice as the “icing on the cake” of the track but also thanks the musicians who arranged the music for making it special.

“Christmas Time” by Lady D (Tonge’s stage name) can be downloaded for a small fee from the following websites:

• CD Baby  (www.cdbaby.com)
• iTunes (www.itunes.com)
• Amazon Digital Music (www.amazon.com/MP3)
• Napster (www.napster.com)

“Christmas Time” has also aired on local radio stations, including WGOD 97.9 FM and Life Radio 102.1 FM, and on radio stations in the British Virgin Islands and continental United States.

Tonge encourages locals to support her efforts because it gives her power to give back to charitable organizations and to promote homegrown talent abroad, putting St. Croix on the map.

While financial support is important, Tonge also asks the public to request that her song airs more often on local radio and that people come out to see her perform.

She performs live this Sunday, Dec. 25, at 6 p.m. at the Frederiksted Church of the Nazarene, next to the School of the Good Shepherd. Anyone can attend – free of charge.

Those interested can call Pastor Jackie Kumbai at (340) 690-9866 for directions.