‘God Nuh Have Nuh Zelle’: Yaksta Shrugs Off Gospel Artiste’s Fiery Warning

By
Claude Mills
Claude Mills is a news journalist for DancehallMag based in Jamaica. In 1998, Claude Mills won his first Press Association of Jamaica (PAJ) award for an...

Yaksta may have been digitally cast into the fires of hell, but the self-styled Bush Lawd is hardly trembling.

The outspoken reggae artiste has found himself at the centre of another religious firestorm after gospel singer Mr Gallimore released a video for What A Hell featuring an AI-generated representation of Yaksta burning in the proverbial pits of damnation.

The clash follows Yaksta’s repeated declaration that “Jesus nah come save we” during his performances—a provocative line that has reignited debate over religion, rebellion and whether modern “fire” music is crossing dangerous boundaries.

Mr Gallimore’s answer is What A Hell, a hard-hitting gospel track originally recorded over the popular Hill and Gully Ride rhythm.

If there was any doubt about his intended target, the accompanying visuals removed it.

The video depicts an avatar resembling Yaksta engulfed in flames, although Gallimore insists that the imagery should be interpreted as a caution rather than a condemnation.

“This is a warning,” Gallimore said. “I am not sending anyone to hell. It’s just a warning.”

Yaksta, however, appears unmoved.

Approached for comment, the artiste said he did not know Mr Gallimore and had never heard the song. He was also “not interested in warring with nuh gospel artiste”.

yaksta
Yaksta

Still, he cheerfully doubled down on his earlier declaration that “pastor fi guh look work.”

Then came the punchline.

“God nuh have nuh Zelle,” Yaksta said, referring to the popular digital-payment service.

The exchange has poured fuel on an already heated conversation surrounding Yaksta’s lyrics and stage remarks.

His supporters have praised him for speaking what they regard as uncomfortable truths, while critics have accused him of disrespecting Christianity and promoting an anti-establishment message.

Some detractors have also questioned themes in his recent material, alleging that certain lyrics appear to romanticise scamming culture and lawlessness. Those criticisms have not silenced Yaksta, whose confrontational style has become an unmistakable part of his public persona.

The controversy has meanwhile given What A Hell an unexpected promotional blaze.

According to Mr Gallimore, the video attracted 28,000 YouTube views within two weeks. An alternative version produced by Billboard-charting producer Jon FX has also climbed to No. 2 on the US iTunes World Music chart.

Despite the attention, Gallimore has maintained a measured tone, arguing that his response is about spiritual consequences rather than an attempt to manufacture an entertainment feud.

“Jesus cannot be mocked, he is mocking himself and demons are cheering him on,” Gallimore said.

For now, there is no formal lyrical war—only a reggae rebel, a gospel warning and one unforgettable question about whether heaven accepts Zelle.

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