Delois Massey Nkosi is more than just a name in gospel music; she is a beacon of faith, a leader in ministry, and an example of how music can transcend beyond entertainment to become a vessel for spiritual awakening and healing. Her life’s journey, rooted in gospel music and anchored in her unwavering faith, tells the story of a woman who has dedicated her talents, time, and spirit to the service of God and His people.
Early Life and the Foundations of Faith
Born to Elder Donald Ray Massey Sr. and Elois T. Massey, Delois Massey Nkosi grew up in the close-knit community of Mariana, Arkansas. Her life was immersed in the rhythms of gospel music from an early age, thanks in large part to her deeply spiritual upbringing. Mariana, like much of the Arkansas Delta, was steeped in a rich tradition of gospel music, a genre that carried the history, struggles, and hopes of the African American church. For Delois, music wasn’t just an interest it was part of her identity, deeply intertwined with her faith and family.
Growing up in the Massey family meant that Delois was surrounded by gospel music at every turn. With six siblings Donald, Donna, Denise, Dennis, Cheryl, and Ollie Massey—music was a constant part of family life. Together, the Massey children formed a gospel group that would perform at churches, revivals, and events across eastern Arkansas and the broader Delta region. The Masseys didn’t just sing for the love of music; they saw their performances as ministry, a way to touch lives, uplift spirits, and bring others into communion with God.
Delois’s early years as a member of the Massey family group laid the foundation for her future in gospel music. Through these experiences, she learned the power of music to move people spiritually and emotionally. Her strong familial ties, especially to her parents, shaped her understanding of the importance of faith, not just as a personal belief system but as a way to serve and minister to others.
The Massey Family Legacy in Gospel
The Massey family’s influence on gospel music in their region was profound. As a family, they traveled across the Delta, their harmonies and heartfelt performances becoming well-known in churches and revivals. Their music didn’t just entertain; it brought with it the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Massey siblings grew up understanding that their voices and talents were not simply gifts to be admired but tools to be used in the service of God’s kingdom.
Delois, in particular, began to stand out for her soulful voice, which carried a unique depth and resonance. Her passion for gospel music only grew stronger as she transitioned from performing with her family to pursuing her own individual path in ministry and music. But despite the individual journey she embarked on, Delois has always remained connected to the legacy of her family’s gospel roots. To this day, she acknowledges the deep influence her family had on shaping her musical and spiritual life.
Mentorship and Spiritual Growth
As Delois grew older, she began to seek deeper understanding of her calling, both as a gospel singer and as a minister of God’s word. She found that mentorship was key to her spiritual development, and for many years, she served under the guidance of Apostle Dr. Dennis Givens and Prophetess Dr. Debra Givens. These two spiritual leaders played a pivotal role in helping Delois deepen her understanding of the word of God and how to move in the Spirit.
Under their mentorship, Delois learned how to combine her musical talent with spiritual leadership. She began to understand that her role wasn’t just to lead worship through song but to minister through every aspect of her life. Apostle Givens’s teachings emphasized the importance of living a Spirit-led life, where every decision, every action, and every word was guided by God. This understanding profoundly shaped Delois’s approach to music and ministry. She realized that her music wasn’t just about hitting the right notes; it was about creating a space where people could encounter the presence of God.
Ordination as Elder and Minister of Music
In 1997, Delois Massey Nkosi reached a major milestone in her spiritual journey: she was ordained as an Elder and Minister of Music. This ordination was not just a recognition of her musical talents but of her commitment to serving God’s people in a leadership capacity. Being ordained as an elder meant that Delois had taken on the responsibility of guiding others in their spiritual walk, providing pastoral care, and leading worship.
Her role as a Minister of Music allowed her to integrate her passion for gospel music with her calling to ministry. As a Minister of Music, Delois was responsible for leading the congregation in worship, coordinating music ministries, and ensuring that the music in the church was aligned with the broader spiritual goals of the community. But more than that, her ordination marked the beginning of her role as a spiritual leader who would use music as a tool to bring people closer to God.
Delois’s ordination was a reflection of her years of dedication to gospel music and her growing influence in the church. It was also a recognition of her ability to lead others not just through music but through prayer, teaching, and pastoral care. Her ordination signified her commitment to a life of service, one where she would use her gifts to glorify God and uplift His people.
The Power of Music in Ministry
For Delois Massey Nkosi, music has always been more than just entertainment. It has been a powerful tool for ministry, a way to reach people’s hearts and souls. Through her performances, Delois seeks to create a space where the Holy Spirit can move freely, bringing healing, comfort, and inspiration to those who listen.
Delois’s voice carries with it a deep sense of soul and spirituality. Every note she sings is imbued with the passion and conviction of someone who truly believes in the power of music to transform lives. Her ability to connect with audiences, both emotionally and spiritually, is one of the things that sets her apart as a gospel artist.
Her music ministry is not just about performing; it’s about creating an atmosphere of worship. Delois understands that music has the ability to touch people in ways that words alone cannot. Whether she’s singing a traditional gospel hymn or a contemporary worship song, Delois brings a sense of authenticity and spiritual depth to her performances.
A Lifetime of Ministry and Music
Today, Delois Massey Nkosi continues to serve as both an ordained elder and a Minister of Music. Her ministry has taken her from small churches in eastern Arkansas to stages and pulpits across the country. But no matter where she goes, her mission remains the same: to use her voice and her ministry to bring people closer to God.
Delois’s journey, which began in the small town of Mariana, Arkansas, has been one of faith, perseverance, and dedication. Her love for gospel music and her commitment to serving God have defined her life’s work, and her impact on gospel music and ministry will continue to resonate for years to come.
As she continues to lead worship, minister to others, and spread the gospel through song, Delois remains a shining example of how music can be a powerful tool for ministry. Her legacy is one that will inspire future generations of gospel singers and ministers, showing them that a life dedicated to God is one filled with purpose, passion, and anointing.
