Israel J. Allen arrived in Barbados in 2018 to help his mother relocate to the country of her mother’s birth. He had no idea when he arrived that he would fall so deeply in love with the island.
His initial plan was to spend six months in Barbados and then return to the United Kingdom.
Instead, the songwriter and singer spent a year in Bim and then decided he wanted to make Barbados his home.
“I came to Barbados to assist mum who was moving here and I absolutely fell in love with the island. When I came thought I would be here for six months, or so. Due to circumstances, however, I had to extend my stay. I was here for all of 2019, then COVID-19 happened. In 2020, I decided to stay here permanently.”
Since moving to Barbados, Israel has found a place in the local music industry. He owns a vocal coaching company – Sing Up Sing Out – which he founded in 2019.
He also functions as a vocal coach and is now in the process of starting a monthly gospel brunch which will see him working with some of the island’s gospel artistes.
Schooled in the UK and a former resident of London, Israel, who studied art and design, disclosed that from the age of 14, he got involved in the music industry, performing at schools, concerts and church-related events. It was also at that young age that he began playing the piano and dabbled with playing the drums.
He confessed to always having had the desire to make his presence felt in the music industry.
“Growing up, I wanted so much to become a singer and get involved in music. I come from a large family. My dad, mum and aunt were part of a reggae band and my mum and cousins were also successful being part of a gospel band,” Israel told Buzz.
He has written and recorded quite a few songs and during his performances over the years he has performed many of them.
Among the highlights of his years as a musician, Israel has headlined a concert at Royal Festival Hall in London and sung at Royal Albert Hall, also in London, in 2014 and 2016, respectively. In addition, he recorded a selection titled Rain in 2023, at Abbey Road Studio in the UK and was part of the production team of the song On The Way, which he co-wrote with Barbadian Jaicko Lawrence, but which was sung by American gospel artiste Adia. The song was released last July and considered for a Grammy nomination last November.
The 34-year-old has also worked with leading American gospel artistes, including Donnie McClurkin and he has sang background vocals for Donald Lawrence, Kirk Franklin, Marvin Sapp, Kim Burrell and Destiny’s Child Michelle Williams.
He has also shared the stage with the likes of Israel Houghton and Travis Greene.
Locally, he has teamed up with Nicholas Brancker, Pastor John Yarde, Neesha Woodz Jermyn Demetri and others.
During his first planned gospel brunch, scheduled for the first week of February, he will feature the gospel band Sing Up Sing Out Collective, which he founded and comprises gospel artistes Michelle Wiggins, Nicovia, Pasquin Dodson, Alaina Greenidge and others.
Israel’s contribution to Barbados’ music industry is most profound, with him working alongside those who are keen on entering the music arena, as well as those who, although they already sing, need further development in how to use their voice.
He has made it clear that music is his heart and soul. It’s this love affair he has with music that keeps him going.
“I love being around music and I love being given the opportunity to coach and help others on their musical journey.”
When he is not busy with some aspect of his musical career, you’ll probably find Israel sightseeing and taking in all the attractions that Barbados has to offer. (CH)
