Gospel rap artist Mashundae Pearman believes in the power of prayer.

The 29-year-old grappled with a life-threatening case of asthma as a child. If it weren’t for her grandmother Alma Smith’s prayers, she doesn’t think she’d be alive, let alone performing like she is.

“There were times when I would be rushed to the hospital because I couldn’t breathe and would turn all shades of blue and purple,” she said.

“I spent many months in the Intensive Care Unit as a child.

“My granny was one of the few people who stayed by my side, day and night — praying. Because of her consistent prayers, I’m alive today and with lungs of steel.”

Miss Pearman, whose stage name is DaeStar, is dedicating her latest song, Spiritual Warfare, to her late grandmother.

It will be officially released within the next week or so.

The lyrics are based on 2 Corinthians 10:4: ‘For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.’

She hopes it will teach others about the power available to them when speaking to God.

“I use a lot of military metaphors in this song,” she said.

“I see being a Christian as a day-to-day discipline, just like being in the military.

“I often use the expression, ‘I’ve won my greatest battles on my knees’. I call it ‘KNEE-ology’. For me it’s the best solution for any situation, it gives God permission to work in our lives.

“I believe that one of our greatest weapons against the devil, whether you’re a Christian or not, is our ability to pray.”

The reggae-inspired track was created with the help of local gospel reggae singer Septimus and producer Dwight Jones from AirWav studios.

Although it’s newly released it’s already received some positive feedback — from listeners both here and abroad.

“Septimus made connections with Glory Music agency in Jamaica,” Miss Pearman said. “The company is run by Nathan Cowan — the son of Tommy Cowan, who was Bob Marley’s original manager.

“We also plan on sending the song to the Caribbean, New York, the UK and all the mainstream media and radios for further promotions.”

She’s hoping it will be even more successful than her previous single, which managed to make it to number 83 on iTunes top 100.

“I anticipate this one will go even further on the chart,” she said.

“I’m also working on creating a video, to be directed by Michael Durrant, which we will send to Tempo [a music countdown programme] in Jamaica,” she said.

Miss Pearman grew up listening to rap, but it wasn’t the kind of stuff her parents would have approved of.

“When I was young I had stashes of tapes and CDs of secular music, my parents knew nothing about,” she said. “I remember going to Music World alone, to buy CDs. Unfortunately, most of those were unedited.

“Back then, gospel rap wasn’t as popular as it is now. I would stay up past my bedtime, singing, memorising and listening to the music.

“I was just a kid, I didn’t know what I was listening to, I just loved the music. I still have a lot of respect for the secular industry — artists like Missy Elliott, Lil Kim, MC Lite and Eminem, helped develop my passion for rap.”

It wasn’t long after that, when her relationship with God matured, that she decided to focus her attention on writing poems and songs about Him.

She enjoyed making meaningful music — and hasn’t stopped since.

Miss Pearman hopes when people look at her career they realise that nothing is impossible.

“I know that sounds cliché, but throughout my life I have seen God do the impossible,” she said.

“As most people know, I have a speech impediment — I stutter a little bit.

“I used to be fearful of crowds and being on stage, because I felt intimidated because of my impediment.

“But if God could take a young girl, who couldn’t talk right, and turn her into an artist, he can go anything. When I rap everything flows perfectly.”

She said she was thankful to the Holy Spirit for giving her the boldness to create songs and perform.

“I’m naturally a very quiet and shy person, but when it comes to music, I become a whole other person.

“My advice to any young person, is to find your niche. Especially if you want a career in music. Don’t mimic anybody; develop your own unique sound. Whether it be singing, rap, dance, or playing an instrument. Master your craft, but above all, keep God first!”