After decades of writing, quiet persistence, and what he describes as divine inspiration, Bermudian songwriter Ronald Virgil is stepping into a new season of music ministry with the release of his first single, You Reign.

Now streaming across more than 20 platforms and already receiving local radio play, the song marks a significant milestone in a journey that began many years ago but only recently came into full expression.

“Not unto us, O Lord, but unto Your name give glory,” he said, referencing Psalm 115:1. “That’s really the heart behind all of this.”

Although this is his first public release, Mr Virgil’s musical foundation runs deep. He was raised in a home where music and ministry were inseparable.

His father, Pastor Eugene Virgil — known on stage as “Joe Place” — was a respected jazz guitarist who performed professionally before entering ministry. His mother, Ann Virgil, served as a choir director for many years, shaping both the sound of worship in her community and her son’s passion for music.

“I grew up surrounded by it,” he said. “Rehearsals, records, live musicians — it was always there.”

That influence extended through his wider family. His uncles were members of well-known Bermudian gospel groups, including The Warrenaires and The Harmony Four, exposing him early to tight harmonies and live gospel expression.

Music remained a constant throughout his life. Mr Virgil has directed church choirs, sung in groups locally and overseas, and continued serving in ministry through music.

A graduate of Oakwood University, known for its rich musical tradition, he carried those influences into his work in New York and Atlanta, where he also directed choirs.

“Music has always been in my blood,” he said. “But it’s always been about ministry first.”

While music had always been present, a defining shift came during the Covid-19 pandemic while Mr Virgil was working as a chef at Willowbank Resort.

During that time, a conference held on the property left behind a symbolic fountain in the conference centre — representing the flow of the Spirit. One evening, after work, he entered the quiet space alone.

“I would go in there just for some me time,” he recalled. “There was a piano, and I’d just sit and pick at it.”

On one particular evening, he turned on the fountain and watched the water flow.

“And all of a sudden, I started getting the downloads,” he said. “The songs just started coming.”

The first, Living Water Flow, came almost instantly. He rushed to the piano, worked out chords, and recorded ideas on his phone.

“It happened right there in that moment,” he said. “That’s when everything shifted.”

Despite years of writing, completing songs had always been a challenge due to limited resources and logistics.

“I could never get everybody together at the same time,” he said. “Either people were off-island, booked, or I just did not have the finances.”

That changed unexpectedly when a friend introduced him to AI-assisted production.

Within hours of sharing a rough version of a song, he received back a fully produced track.

“I was like, ‘Wait a minute — what just happened?’” he said. “All this time I’ve been trying to finish my songs, and here it is — finished in a couple of hours.”

While initially surprised, he came to see it as a tool rather than a replacement.

“Every song began with me,” he explained. “I wrote the lyrics, created the melodies, and recorded the reference lead and background vocals. AI just helped complete the production. It’s no different than hiring musicians — it just allowed me to finally finish what I started.”

Through this process, he was able to complete more than a dozen songs that had been waiting for years.

His debut single, You Reign, is a declaration of God’s sovereignty.

“It’s a reminder that God reigns over every circumstance,” he said.

The song became his first release after his wife, Gina Spence, selected it for a liturgical dance ministry. That moment prompted him to officially release and protect the track.

Reflecting on the journey, Mr Virgil said one of the greatest lessons has been learning to slow down and listen.

“Sometimes God has to slow you down so you can actually hear what He’s trying to say,” he said. “During Covid, everything stopped — and that’s when I could hear clearly.”

He also spoke about the role of life’s challenges in shaping his music.

“Through trials — health issues, transitions, ups and downs — He’s always been speaking to me,” he said. “And it’s always been through song.”

Now, he sees even technology as part of that purpose.

“If God can use anything — even AI — as a tool to get His message out, then I want to be a part of that,” he said.

For those who may be holding back their own gifts, Mr Virgil offers a clear message: “Don’t hide your gift. Let it shine. You can’t worry about what people are going to say or think.”

He admitted that releasing his own music was not easy.

“I had to get past myself,” he said. “I was wondering, ‘Are people going to like it?’ But I had to let that go.”

His advice is simple: “If you believe God gave you something, it’s your job to go forth with it. Because if you don’t, you might miss your opportunity.”

Mr Virgil is now preparing for his upcoming release concert, He Is The King, which will feature music from his new EP.

The event is designed as a full worship experience, bringing together song, dance, and expressive movement.

“Our mission is to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” he said. “Each song will be ministered through song, dance, and flag.”

The theme is rooted in 2 Chronicles 5:13—14: “When the singers, musicians, and ministers of movement praised God, the glory of the Lord filled the house.”

“That’s what we’re believing for,” he said. “A powerful atmosphere of praise and worship where God is glorified.”

The concert will highlight a range of Bermudian talent, including Lloyd Holder, Sia Spence, Deondre, Samone Outerbridge, Avery Emery (flag ministry), OBICM/FGP Dance Ministries, Nathan Ming, and a special guest.

“All of the songs will be ministered by local artists,” Mr Virgil said. “This is about community and using what God has placed right here in Bermuda.”

The He Is The King release concert will take place on March 28 at the former TN Tatem school from 6pm to 8pm.

Patron ticket holders, priced at $50, will receive early entry at 5.30pm, along with food, a gift bag, and priority seating. General admission tickets are $25.

Children under the age of 12 are admitted free; however, complimentary tickets must still be secured in advance through the ticketing platform at gpass.bm. No children’s tickets will be issued at the door.

Tickets for all categories are available online at gpass.bm.

Organisers are encouraging families to attend together for what is expected to be an uplifting and spirit-filled evening.

At its core, Mr Virgil says the message is simple. “He Is The King means that Jesus Christ reigns above every circumstance in our lives,” he said.

And through his music, he hopes others will come to experience that truth for themselves.