On the Summit’s Horizon: Darius Darling
By Rev. Christopher W. Riley
FWIS Contributing Writer
“Boy you got something there”, the words of my Mama a couple of months before she passed.
I didn’t even have any verses to the song. It was just a song I was singing and even posted a snippet on my Facebook page. This was the beginning of “I’ll Press On” which is the title track of Darius Darling’s latest release.
“I’ll Press On” did not just minister to Darling during one of the most difficult seasons of his life, it is truly a testament of his journey in music and ministry.
Darling is no stranger to writing music in the midst of adversity, his 2017 single “His Word Says I Can” was penned after his girlfriend at the time broke up with him on his birthday. “It was a song of motivation in a place that I had not arrived. I needed to activate on his word.” In 2019 “His Word Says I Can” earned Darling the Contemporary Artist of the Year by the National Independent Gospel Music Association (NIGMA).
A native of Detroit, Michigan and a graduate of Cass Technical High School’s Music and Performing Arts Program where he studied under Dr. Cheryl V. Harden. The Lord led Darling to Fort Wayne in 2010 to study at Indiana Tech where he graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in 2017.
Life wasn’t always easy for him, in 1999, he and his late mother transitioned churches. It was at this point he began to notice that others were being supported and getting attention.
“Why am I on the outside? Why is no one helping me?”
“I was told I was not anointed and couldn’t sing.” I was working so hard to prove them wrong. I realized I needed to prove God right.” God began to use me to lead and minister from where I was currently.”
Darling taught his first song at 11 and began singing professionally at 15. By the time he entered Indiana Institute of Technology he was ready to lead the Gospel Choir which he started. While the choir ministered all over the city, God was preparing him for an even greater calling. “I felt responsible for the members, they would come and talk to me because I knew Jesus. I felt the responsibility of ministry.”
“I wanted to stay in the music ministry. However, there was a push and pull between God and I.” During this time, he began to fellowship with New Zion Tabernacle under the leadership of Bishop Crystal Thomas. Around 2012-2013, Bishop Thomas prophesied over me, that there is a pastoral call all over your life.” said, Darling.
“I was licensed as a minister in 2015. I was grateful that someone else recognized the calling on my life with the seal of official documentation. The elevation did not stop there, in 2018 Darling was ordained as an elder. “I was shocked and nervous. God is trusting me to the leadership council and advance the ministry.
Darling was recently installed as associate pastor of New Zion Tabernacle. “Bishop Thomas met and prayed with my wife and I to ensure we were on the same page. “I selected him because of our influx of young people and I wanted them to have a direct contact as well.” Said, Bishop Crystal Thomas, Founder and Senior Pastor of New Zion Tabernacle.
“My wife, Chloe has been a true God-send. I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for God and my wife. The favor of God rests on my life now that my wife is present. God confirmed she was the one in 2020 and we were married in 2022. Our love story began after our best friends married each other and we were a part of the wedding.
When asked about the challenges of 2020 which began with tragically losing his uncle, sister and nephew in a South African car accident and later his Mother to COVID-19 Darling says, “God needed us as an example of what it is to go through with him. To trust us with the burden.”
“I’ll Press On” is a litany of songs where the everyday listener will find encouragement in every track. “The song uplifts me and others in the writing process. I want to give people hope. He knows where you are.”
“I am called to lead people from where they are to where God is taking them. I refuse to let the enemy win.”
“I’ll Press On” and Darling’s first single, “His Word Says I Can” are available for purchase on all digital music platforms: Apple, Google, Spotify, etc.
Follow DDDarling on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.