Exploring Life & Business with Ronni Samassa (for ECKALEO Entertainment Group) of Eckaleo Entertainment Group, Inc.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ronni Samassa (for ECKALEO Entertainment Group).

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
ECKALEO Entertainment Group, Inc. began with a divine vision given to our Founder and Business Liaison, Jason Wilson. During a time of worship around 2018, God gave Jason a vision to launch a music festival unlike anything Atlanta had ever experienced. His passion for bringing this vision to life was contagious. When I met Jason in 2019 and he shared that vision with me in early 2020—just before the pandemic hit—something immediately leaped in my spirit. I remember thinking, finally, someone gets it.

When we officially established ECKALEO Entertainment as a legal business entity in 2021, we started off with five people believing in the vision of ECKALEO. Just three months after incorporating in May 2021, we hosted our very first event: a house party east of Atlanta featuring a live DJ spinning Christian gospel, rap, and hip-hop. The turnout and reception were incredible, propelling us into our next season of growth where we expanded into gospel house brunches and began volunteering at major Christian music festivals to learn the ins and outs of large-scale production.

While our core leadership structure evolved over time—narrowing down from those five to a faithful two—we now move forward stronger than ever, fueled by the wonderful support of our advisors and dedicated planning committee. Fast forward to 2026, and we are blessed to celebrate five full years of business. To refine our craft and prepare for our own upcoming festival, we’ve traveled to analyze and learn from other well-established music festivals across North America, from Toronto, Canada to Mineral Springs, Ohio, all while keeping the original vision God gave Jason at the forefront of everything we do.

At our core, ECKALEO Entertainment Group exists to build spaces where people can have an unforgettable time with Christ at the absolute center. Our heart’s desire is for people to experience uninhibited worship—dancing freely before the Lord just as King David did in Scripture. Providing a place for that unbridled joy, community, and freedom isn’t just our mission; it is essentially who we are.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. Navigating entrepreneurship—especially in the faith-based space—comes with steep ups and downs. There have been moments when reality fell short of my personal expectations, leaving me deeply disappointed. Yet, in hindsight, those tough seasons became sacred ground. They pushed me closer to God and taught me what it truly means to stand on His Word. I’ve learned to lean completely on His faithfulness and trust the promise He spoke over ECKALEO for Atlanta and the surrounding communities.

Operationally, we’ve faced some very real hurdles. Funding is a constant challenge, and having to cancel planned events because we couldn’t cover venue costs has been a major pain point for us. Without a designated office or permanent event space, the number of gatherings we can host each year is naturally limited. Additionally, building a team without the current budget to offer financial compensation means relying entirely on volunteer heart. Finding people who stay committed to the mission when there’s no paycheck attached isn’t easy.

Yet, those struggles only highlight our greatest triumphs. We are endlessly humbled by the astounding dedication of our advisors and planning committee. They have stuck with us through every shift, serving faithfully even when we didn’t have all the answers. Their commitment to God and this vision is truly inspiring.

On top of that, the response from our audience keeps our fire lit. Hearing Gen Z attendees tell us they’ve never experienced an atmosphere like ours makes every obstacle worth it. We love hearing testimonials from people who are blown away by our events—where our DJ is spinning the absolute best in Christian Hip-Hop, Rap, R&B, EDM, Afrobeat, and House music. Seeing lives impacted and watching people worship freely in a space created just for them reminds us why we started, and why we keep going.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Eckaleo Entertainment Group, Inc.?
What We Do & What We Specialize In

At ECKALEO Entertainment Group, we specialize in high-energy, DJ-centered, Christ-centered worship experiences that are open to everyone. We bring in talented Christian DJs who spin the absolute best in Christian hip-hop, rap, R&B, EDM, Afrobeat, and house music. From evening gatherings to day parties hosted at local coffee shops and affiliated churches, our events are full of life—complete with dancing, interactive icebreakers, games, laughter, and complete freedom. We create a safe, vibrant space where believers can let their hair down and enjoy themselves in a healthy, uplifting environment.

What Sets Us Apart

We offer something different because our priorities, structure, and foundational “why” are entirely different from standard entertainment platforms. We hold the integrity of the music and the atmosphere to the absolute highest standard so that every event honors God and facilitates His presence. We do this out of pure love for God and a desire to serve Him; at our core, we are worshipers first and event organizers second.

Our Heart & Foundational Scripture

In essence, ECKALEO means “to call out.” Our entire brand is built on John 4:23–24, rooted in the belief that God is calling His children to worship Him in spirit and in truth. We invite people to abandon the strong ties and heavy pressures of the world and step into pure praise, no matter what they might be walking through in life.

What We Want Readers to Know

Above all, ECKALEO is a safe, authentic community. When you walk into our events, there is no judgment, no pretension, and no condemnation—only safety, joy, and connection in the presence of God. We are building a movement where people can find true belonging. Simply put: WE ARE ECKALEO, and YOU ARE ECKALEO!

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Anchor Yourself in Your “Why”

First and foremost, have a crystal-clear understanding of your purpose—the deep “why” behind your vision. When unexpected hurdles arise or things don’t go according to plan, a strong “why” provides the momentum to keep pressing forward. It acts as a magnet, attracting the right team, the necessary resources, and the right strategic partners into your sphere.

Lead with Humility and Active Listening

Entrepreneurship is rarely a solo endeavor, and when multiple people are involved, personal pride must be left at the door. Success requires a tremendous amount of patience, top-tier listening skills, and a willingness to compromise. Flexibility isn’t a sign of weakness; it is an essential strategy for advancing the overall mission and vision of your organization.

Stay Tethered to the True Source

If Jesus is the Lord of your life, cling to Him daily and seek His wisdom to stay aligned in your role. Ultimately, your “why” is directly connected to your Creator—the One who knows your beginning from your end. Attempting to build a vision without Him means missing out on the greatest partner, guide, and relationship you could ever have. When you remain tethered to Christ, you don’t carry the weight of the journey on your own shoulders; instead, you operate from a place of joy, peace, and true freedom, fully supported by His strength.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.eckaleo.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/eckaleoent
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/eckaleoent
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eckaleo-entertainment-group-inc/posts/?viewAsMember=true