Last Saturday night, gospel music lovers gathered for an uplifting evening of praise, powerful vocals and community connection as Barbadian gospel singer Allison Norville staged the fourth edition of her annual concert series, A New Beginning.
Held this year at Frank Collymore Hall, the show marked another milestone in a concert series that Norville says was born out of a desire to reinvent herself and create a meaningful platform for gospel music and ministry in Barbados.
For Norville, who has been on the local music scene since she was 18, the journey to launching the concert series began with a simple but powerful piece of advice from a close friend overseas.
“I was trying to find a way to reinvent myself,” she explained. “My friend suggested starting a series of concerts that could incorporate local artists and eventually regional and international ones as well, all with the aim of lifting and praising the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ while inspiring people in the community.”
Four years later, that vision continues to grow. Although Norville admits that organising the event still brings its fair share of nerves, she credits faith and a dedicated team for making each staging possible.
“Each year when I’m about to start a concert I get a little nervous because I know it’s a heavy undertaking,” she said. “But I also know that God has equipped me with the gift to put things together and placed some amazing people around me with their own gifts who help make it happen.”
Originally staged at Collymore Rock Church of the Nazarene, A New Beginning found a new home this year at Frank Collymore Hall after logistical challenges made it difficult to host the event at its previous venue. Norville described the transition as a blessing.
“They didn’t just leave me to figure things out on my own,” she said of the team at the venue. “They were there every step of the way and were extremely professional and supportive.”
The concert’s theme remains rooted in its title: the idea that every year offers a fresh start.
“It’s a brand new year and sometimes life doesn’t always go the way you planned,” Norville said. “But a new year means a new beginning. It’s an opportunity to reset, reflect and move forward.”
Over the years, A New Beginning has become known not only for its message but also for its lineup of talented performers drawn from across the island’s gospel community.
Among the most consistent collaborators has been singer Neesha Woodz, whom Norville describes as both a dear friend and a versatile, creative artist who continues to add depth to the show.
Another key element of the production is its band of musicians, which has been led for the past three years by musical director David Graham.
“David is the one who pulls together the musicians each year,” Norville said. “They are consistently outstanding. I’m always so happy to work with them.”
Beyond the performances, Norville says one of her biggest motivations for hosting the concert each year is to create opportunities for emerging talent.
Her own musical journey began when she won the Anika Youth Ministries Song Contest as a teenager. After the competition, the well-known gospel band Promise took her under their wing, helping introduce her to audiences beyond the Pentecostal circuit.
“That experience really opened my eyes to how the wider Christian community across Barbados ministers,” she said. “It showed me the importance of giving people opportunities to perform and grow.”
That philosophy is reflected in the show’s pre-concert segment, which begins before the main event and is dedicated to highlighting up-and-coming artists or performers who may not yet have a large platform.
This year’s pre-show featured a diverse mix of young talent, including Tar-Tar Music, whose performance blended spoken word with hiphop influences and Dacia Moore, the recent winner of the Richard Stoute Teen Talent competition.
“She shone so brightly on stage,” Norville said of Moore’s performance. “It was truly a pleasure to have her on the programme.”
The variety of styles showcased during the evening – from traditional gospel to contemporary sounds and spoken word – helped create an engaging atmosphere that resonated strongly with the audience.
Norville said one of the most rewarding aspects of the concert is seeing the way the community embraces the event year after year.
“There’s a couple who come to almost every gospel event across the island,” she shared with a smile. “They’re always right up front dancing, praising and enjoying the music. Seeing that kind of energy reminds me why we do this.”
Looking ahead, Norville hopes A New Beginning will continue to grow into a lasting legacy within Barbados’ gospel music scene.
“By God’s grace, I really see this becoming something that lasts for years,” she said. “A New Beginning 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and beyond.”
One of her biggest challenges, however, has been securing long-term corporate partnerships to help sustain and expand the production.
Despite this, several businesses have remained faithful, including Courts, which Norville says has provided consistent sponsorship each year.
She believes gospel concerts offer a strong platform for companies to connect with audiences while supporting positive community events.
“Gospel music is a powerful platform,” she said. “It’s inspiring, uplifting and familyfriendly, and I believe it’s a great opportunity for brands to be involved.”
Norville also has big dreams for the future of the concert series, including eventually welcoming regional and international gospel artists to the stage.
Among the performers she hopes to host one day are Jamaican gospel legends Papa San and DJ Nicholas, as well as international stars like Alvin Slaughter, Donnie McClurkin, Jonathan McReynolds and the iconic CeCe Winans.
“The day I can afford to have CeCe Winans on my show will be a very special day,” she laughed.
For now, however, Norville remains committed to showcasing the abundance of talent already present in Barbados.
“We are brimming with talent here,” she said. “Local artistes will always be the focus of A New Beginning. If we add regional or international acts in the future, they will simply complement the incredible gifts we already have at home.”
And judging from the response to Saturday night’s show, the spirit of A New Beginning continues to resonate strongly – bringing together faith, music and community for an evening that leaves audiences uplifted and ready for the year ahead. (NS)
