| Jaeson Ma | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 11, 1980 Lubbock, Texas |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Musician/Pastor |
Jaeson Ma (born November 11, 1980) is an American actor, musician, writer, and minister who is best known for his work as a pastor and Christian entertainer.
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Jaeson Ma was born on November 11, 1980 in Lubbock, Texas of Chinese descent. Jaeson was the youngest of three children. According to a CBN article of Ma's testimony, he had a difficult childhood in San Jose, California, and was involved in stealing and selling drugs. When the police showed up to Ma's house one day with a warrant for his arrest, Ma decided to "[get] his heart right with God" and "came clean of all his wrongdoing".[1] Following his conversion, Ma served as a minister, church planter, and writer before becoming a Christian entertainer.[2]
Ma went on to earn degrees in Bible theology, business management, and youth ministry. Ma has ministered on various college campuses including San Jose State University and UCLA.[1]
Ma is best known for his work as a Christian rap musician, actor, and pastor. Zoe Li, a CNN reporter, referred to Ma as the "world's most prominent Asian hip-hop pastor, travelling the globe and spreading the Christian word of God through music".[3]
Ma has also been noted as a blogger and as a minister. He is credited for leading the Chinese-Canadian film actor and rapper, Edison Chen, in a religious-conversion experience to Christianity.[3]
Ma has been described as a friend and mentor to various Korean pop artists such as 2NE1, Girls' Generation's Tiffany and Sooyoung, Super Junior's Choi Siwon, ex-UKISS member Alexander Lee Eusebio and Jinusean's Sean. According to some sources, Ma seemed concerned with the increasing rate of suicide among "Korean artists & entertainers".[4][5][6] Jaeson is managed by talent manager and business partner Carl Choi.
Ma has worked with MC Hammer in 1040, which is a documentary on Christianity's growth in Asia.[7][8]
According to Charisma Magazine, "The film tells stories of faith, hope and love from across the most populous nation of the world."[2]
Ma spent three months working on the film touring China, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, and Indonesia to document the explosive growth of Christianity in Asia. While on tour, he filmed interviews with church leaders, Asian celebrities, artists, and entrepreneurs representing both Christians and non-Christians.[9]
In September 2009, Ma's hit single, "Love" (featuring Bruno Mars), which was produced by KevNish from Far East Movement, was released by Catch Music Group.[10] In the first two weeks of the music video's release, it received 60,000 hits on YouTube and was #10 on Amazon's mp3 sales.[11][12]
Ma performed alongside David Crowder Band, Seabird, and Danyew at Fresh 2009—held at the Los Angeles Sports Arena.[13]
Ma released a new album, Glory, on December 7, 2010.[2]